Americans Sandra Changkija and Amy Anderson shot identical seven-under 65s to share the lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour’s Portland Classic on Thursday.
Changkija and Anderson, who are both seeking their first win on the Tour, are atop a crowded leaderboard that also includes 17-year-old Canadian Brooke Henderson, who was one of three players on 66 at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
Changkija, 26, was one of the early starters and got off to a quick start on her first nine holes by firing a six-under 30.
Photo: AFP
She needed just 25 putts and closed out her round with a bogey on the ninth hole that would cost her sole possession of the lead.
“I hit some good drives out there. I think I hit about 12 fairways, just the putts started going in,” she said.
The 23-year-old Anderson got to seven-under after 12 holes, then managed pars the rest of the way.
Kaohsiung native Candie Kung had a bogey-free 69 to share 21st.
Kung sank four birdies, but also ran into a bogey finish three-over-par.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng was tied for 35th after shooting a 70, while compatriot Min Lee shared 72nd after a 76.
Additional reporting by staff writer, with CNA
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