Lizette Salas opened with a 5-under 67 at the Atlanta Athletic Club and will take a one-shot lead into Friday’s second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
The 31-year old American signed for a bogey-free scorecard featuring five birdies to reach the day-one marquee position.
“It was definitely not easy. We started with pretty wet conditions this morning, but the greens are rolling extremely pure,” said Salas.
“I had a really good warmup. I was really confident coming into this week, and I think my game really suits this golf course and kept it boring.
“That’s pretty much the game plan. Fairways and greens and rolled in a few good putts, left to righters, sliders, which I think really gets my confidence going, and I continue that momentum throughout the round.
“A little scary slide on the last hole to keep it bogey-free, but I’m really pleased with my round today.”
England’s Charley Hull was one back after a first-round 68 which included six birdies against two bogeys.
Seven players were tied for third-place on 3-under 69.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Top-5 Leaders: First Round
Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 1)
1. Lizette Salas -5 (67)
2. Charley Hull -4 (68)
3. Alena Sharp -3 (69)
3. Xiyu Lin -3 (69)
3. Yealimi Noh -3 (69)
3. Dani Holmqvist -3 (69)
3. Jeongeun Lee6 -3 (69)
3. Austin Ernst -3 (69)
3. Jessica Korda -3 (69)
Full Leaderboard
Material from the LPGA Tour Communications was used to compile this report.
