Park Goes Low in Canadian Women's Open


After opening with a 67, No. 1-ranked Inbee Park fired a 5-under 65 to reach 8-under 132 in the Canadian Women's Open. The $2 million LPGA Tour event began Thursday at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton.

Park, a six-time winner this year including the first three majors in 2013, posted four birdies on the front nine to make the turn in 4-under 31, then recorded three more birdies - against two bogeys - on the home half.

"Everything worked really well out there," said the 25-year-old from Seoul. "I hit the ball really good, and I obviously putted really good out there. I mean, a couple of the bogeys on the front nine toward the end a little disappointed.

"It was very makeable putts, but I missed a three footer and a six footer. We got through about everything else, but I gave myself a lot of opportunities and made a lot of opportunities."

Cristie Kerr recorded her second straight 66 and is only a stroke behind Park, with many players yet to complete their second rounds as this story went to press. The 35-year-old Kerr posted six birdies and two bogeys Friday.

Kerr enjoys how the classic Stanley Thompson-designed course fits her eye. "You really have to hit shots out there," said the 16-time LPGA winner. "It's a course you really have to shape the ball off the tee and be creative. I played very well the last couple of days. It's unfortunate I bogeyed the last hole today. It's what happens when you hit an errant shot and have to chip out to a difficult pin."

Also shooting a 66 was France's Karine Icher, who had the same number of under- and over-par scores as Kerr to reach 7-under 133. Icher said her experience in last week's Solheim Cup, where she was on the victorious European squad, has helped her this week.

"A lot of confidence, I mean, when you can perform with this kind of pressure and this kind of tournament, then everything seems easier," she said of her mindset. "So, I think we're all very tired, but good memories and a good energy from last week."

Laura Davies had a 66 and is at 134. Also at that number is defending champion Lydia Ko and Paula Creamer, who shot 68 and 69, respectively.

One of European stars at Colorado Golf Club, Norway's Suzann Pettersen, carded a 67 and is now at 136, the same number as USA Solheim Cup team members Lexi Thompson and Gerina Piller, who shot 65 and 66, respectively.

First-round co-leader Christel Boeljon of the Netherlands carded a 2-over 72 and stands at 3-under 137. Boeljon's fellow 18-hole leaders, defending champion Lydia Ko and Angela Stanford, were still midway through their second rounds.

For updated scoring, visit www.lpga.com.