IVINS, Utah — Haeran Ryu and Ariya Jutanugarn did not waste time transferring on from the frustration of the primary LPGA main behind them, each opening with bogey-free rounds Thursday for an excellent begin within the inaugural Black Desert Championship.
Ryu missed just one fairway, one inexperienced and took 27 putts in her spherical of 9-under 63, giving her a one-shot lead over Jutanugarn and Wei-Ling Hsu within the LPGA’s return to Utah for the primary time in simply over 60 years.
Ryu shared the 54-hole lead final week within the Chevron Championship, however she shot 76 — even with an eagle on the ultimate gap — and missed the playoff by two photographs.
“I am not change one thing from my thoughts, as a result of final week it was robust golf course and this week it is robust, too,” Ryu mentioned. “Simply considering extra accuracy for my shot, and I believe similar as final week.”
Jutanugarn had a rougher end on the Chevron Championship. She wanted par on the final gap to win, however she stubbed a chip behind the inexperienced and wound up making bogey. She then lipped out on a 7-foot birdie putt within the five-player playoff as Mao Saigo gained.
“Final week I did not end the best way I need, but it surely’s so many issues happening — like good issues — and I simply need to keep on from that and hold working as arduous as I can,” mentioned Jutanugarn, a former No. 1 participant who has gone 4 years with out profitable.
Saigo was 2 over by 4 holes Thursday after which steadied herself by enjoying bogey-free the remainder of the best way with 4 birdies to salvage a 70 at Black Desert, which is the one golf course that hosts an official PGA Tour and LPGA Tour occasion.
Lucy Li birdied her final two holes for a 64 and was a part of a six-way tie for fourth that included Carlota Ciganda. Celine Boutier was among the many group at 65.
The scoring was low with out a lot wind and comparatively gentle circumstances, with practically 60% of the 144-player subject breaking par.
