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Four-time winner Pak in front again

Pak Jin-young reacts to her fairway shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic golf tournament in Sylvania, Ohio, on Thursday. PHOTO: AP

Pak Se-ri isn't sure why she plays so well at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. Everyone else in the field wonders what her secret is, too.

The four-time tournament winner shot an eight-under 63 on Thursday to take the first-round lead. It was the best opening round in the US LPGA tournament's 23-year history.

Alena Sharp was two shots back at six under. Only five others were within five shots of the lead, including defending champion Kim Mi-hyun.

Pak bogeyed her first hole, after hitting into the rough, then strung together three consecutive birdies. She ran off five birdies on the back nine.

She is trying to match Mickey Wright's tour record of five victories in one event and knows the course better than any player in the tournament.

"Everyone asks why, I don't know," she said. "I always feel comfortable here."

Pak won her first Corning title in 1998 when she was 20, and always seems to be in contention. She also won in 1999, 2001 and 2003.

Canada's Alena Sharp had seven birdies and one bogey to shoot 65. Her approach shot on the final hole nearly bounced in for eagle. Sharp is having her best season since turning pro in 2005.

"I learned last year how to make the cut," she said. "This year I feel I have a good shot at winning a tournament. I don't want to get ahead of myself. It's only Thursday."

She has a history this year of starting fast before fading. She was within a shot of the lead after one round at the Wegmans LPGA last month only to finish tied for 64th.

Pak made a 5m putt on No. 11 and a 4m putt on the next hole to charge out in front. She then finished her round with a pair of birdies.

"I've won so many times and have so many great memories," she said. "Maybe that's why my game is a lot more solid on this golf course."

Rookie Pak Jin-young, playing in her first tournament since hurting her back two months ago, finished at four under.

"I'm just happy I can play," she said.

The South Korean with the same last name as the first-round leader said she knew about this tournament before she left home because of Pak Se-ri's success.
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