15 December, 2024; Naples, Florida, [USA]Jennifer Kuppo Tiburone puts the 18th Green on the 18th Green during the final round game of Grant Thornton Invitational at the Tiburone Golf Club. Compulsory Credit: Reneled Matt-Imgon Images Five women took the first round lead in the Evian Championship to gain the first round lead to the 65 round, the fourth of the five LPGA companies in the season.
American Jennifer Kuppo and Andrea Lee, Australian Grace Kim and Gabrila Rafales, and Liona Maguire of Ireland all shared a 6-end lead at the Avian Resort Golf Club in Evian-Less-Bans, France.
A stroke back on 66 is Australia’s Minaji, who won the Women’s PGA Championship in June.
After 67, two and stroke sit on a group of stroke nine including world number 1 Nelly Corda, Japan champion Ayke Furu and another native of Japan, Mao Cygo, who won the first major season at the Chevron Championship in April.
Kuppo, starting at nine, bogie number 12 but it was the only stroke that he dropped that day. He chased with three shovedies before turning, then two and to finish the round at number 9 first from the eagle at his final nine.
Kuppo said, “I started a little rocky.” Likewise settled on half the way back, nine in front of me, and just like it got it together. The ball was really hitting the green in green. So some fairways were also remembering which I was able to fix. “
Rafles called their bogie-free round “super solid”.
“Only two greens missed from there,” he said. “The ball strike was really good. Was working hard with my coach.
“And then the putting was also good. I put some good long and then it was very solid even within 10 feet. So, yes, it was added to a very good score.”
Corda had a roller coaster to start. He sandwiched the Berdies on Nos 2 and 3 between the bogies on the first and fourth holes, then added four birds on the rest of the way.
He said that he had aspects of his game to address.
“I didn’t drive it very well, especially with my driver, so I am going to the range,” she said. “Go to my coach, Jamie, and such as what was going on.
“I had two misses and it was never good on a tight Evian golf course, with thickening thickened. Like -as the day progressed progressively.
“Overall, parts of my game helped me and saved me, and other parts disappointed me. It’s golf. Just going to try and to find it on the border.”
-Bield level media
