Lexi Thompson makes fast start to final Women’s PGA Championship
Thompson, who is retiring from full-time golf on the LPGA Tour, has a one-shot lead over Nelly Korda and Patty Tavatanakit,
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lexi Thompson took a one-shot lead as she fired a four-under-par 68 in the opening round of the Women’s PGA Championship.
Thompson, who is retiring from full-time golf on the LPGA Tour at the end of the season, made three straight birdies to start her round at the Sahalee Country Club in Washington state.
She added three more to open a one-shot lead over Nelly Korda and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit.
Charley Hull was among those a shot further back alongside Ireland’s Leona Maguire, with England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff on even par, two better than Georgia Hall, with Bronte Law a further stroke adrift.
Yuka Saso, who won the US Open three weeks ago, was among those on 74 after four consecutive bogeys on the back nine.
After finishing runner-up last week, Thompson shrugged off suggestions her retirement announcement had prompted an upturn in form.
“I don’t think that has to do with announcing what I did,” she said. “It’s just a matter of being comfortable out there, playing free-swing Lexi I guess. Just enjoying being out there every step of the way.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time. I made my announcement. I’m very content with it.
“Golf is a crazy game, so I’m not going to look too far ahead. Just taking it one day at a time and see where it takes me.”
Korda missed her last two cuts – having opened with an 80 at the US Open – after winning six of her previous seven starts.
“I’ve seen a lot of first-hand rollercoasters happen in people’s careers,” she said.
“I just know that if you stay positive and in your own bubble, you can bounce back. You work hard, you know what you got inside of you, and you just got to go out and execute it.”
Hull battled stomach cramps and waiting for her clubs to arrive in the build-up to the tournament.
“I didn’t feel the best, but I woke up this morning and felt fine and played all right, so there you go,” she said.