Carter Goes Low in Kia Classic


Unheralded Dori Carter fired a course-record 8-under 64 to rise to the top of the Kia Classic. The $1.7 million, 72-hole LPGA Tour event began Thursday at Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif.

Carter, a 27-year-old from Georgia, posted 11 birdies and three bogeys Friday to reach 10-under 134, two strokes ahead of Stacy Lewis (66) and Cristie Kerr (66), and three in front of Lizette Salas (68). Tiffany Joh (69) and Colombia's Mariajo Uribe (71) are tied for fifth at 6-under 138.

Uribe shared the 18-hole lead with Paula Creamer after each opened 67s. Creamer carded a 72 to drop into a tie for seventh at 5-under with Chella Choi, Shanshan Feng and Lexi Thompson.

Carter is thrilled with her performance so far. "I'm going to enjoy it," said Carter, who played collegiate golf at the University of Mississippi.

"I'm having a blast out here, got a new caddie who is keeping me calm. I'm going to wake up tomorrow, and play again, and see what happens."

It's likely that, for a second straight round, the Kia Classic will end in the gloaming in Southern California.

After a 69 in the first round, top-ranked Inbee Park was sailing along at 4-under par before three straight bogeys on Nos. 15-17. The South Korean ended up with a 71 and heads into the weekend at 4-under 140.

Karrie Webb, who won last week's Founders Cup for her 41st LPGA title and opened with a 75 Thursday at Aviara, rallied with a 68 to get to 1-under 143.

The 36-hole cut set at 2-over 146. Among the players over that number was defending champion Beatriz Recari. The 26-year-old Spaniard shot rounds of 71 and 76 to not qualify for the weekend.

For updated scoring, visit www.lpga.com.