Gal Leads in LPGA Tour Event; Wie Withdraws


Germany's Sandra Gal got off to a rousing start in the Miejer LPGA Classic. After pars on the first two holes, the 29-year-old German reeled off six straight birdies en route to a 5-under 66 and a one-stroke lead in the $1.5 million, 72-hole LPGA Tour event.

Gal made the turn in 6-under 30, then came home with another birdie and a bogey in the inaugural tournament, which got underway Thursday at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Gal, whose only win in the States came in the 2011 Kia Classic, enjoys a one-stroke lead over South Korea's Inbee Park and is two ahead of Australian Katherine Kirk.

Tied for fourth after 68s are South Koreans Ilhee Lee and Amy Yang, Spaniard Azahara Munoz, Denmark's Line Vedel and Americans Katy Harris and Gerina Piller.

Among the 11 players opening with 69s are Lydia Ko, Suzann Pettersen and Paula Creamer.

No. 1-ranked Stacy Lewis was one of 19 players carding 70s. Also in that group were two players who, like Munoz, were part of Spain's victorious team in the recent International Crown - Belen Mozo and Beatriz Recari.

One of the pre-tournament favorites, reigning U.S. Women's Open champion Michelle Wie, withdrew after completing nine holes - in 5-over par - due to a hand injury. "It started hurting last week and it started getting worse," Wie told MLive.com. "It got to the point where I couldn't really hold a club today."

It's uncertain whether the injury will prevent Wie from playing in next week's Wegman's LPGA Championship - the fourth of five LPGA majors this season. "I'm going to get an MRI right now and see what my next steps are," she said. "Hopefully I'll be able to play next week. We'll see."

She later tweeted, "Sorry I had to WD today. Thank you @meijer for hosting an amazing event. I hope to be better soon!"

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.