Sharp Starts Out Hot in NW Arkansas Championship; Wie One Back


Thanks to a 6-under 65, Alena Sharp has taken the first-round in the NW Arkansas Championship. The $2 million, 54-hole LPGA Tour event began Friday at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Ark.

The 33-year-old Sharp, a native of Hamilton, Canada, posted seven birdies and a bogey for a one-stroke lead over newly crowned U.S. Women's Open champion Michelle Wie and Mexico's Alejandra Llaneza.

Wie, who won Open at Pinehurst No. 2 by two strokes over Stacy Lewis, had a flawless outing with five birdies, including four on the back nine.

Two shots out of the lead are South Koreans So Yeon Ryu and Ji Young Oh, Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn, China's Shanshan Feng, Sweden's Caroline Hedwall and Americans Emma Jandel and Gerina Piller.

Lewis, a former Arkansas All-American and the top-rated player in women's golf, opened with a 1-under 70. Lewis earned the first of her 10 professional titles in the tournament as an amateur in 2007.

Defending champion Inbee Park, now ranked No. 2 in the world, carded a 69, the same score as No. 3 Lydia Ko and 54-year-old Juli Inkster.

For updated scoring, visit www.lpga.com.