Walshe in Front on LPGA Tour


Alison Walshe got off to a nice start in the Marathon Classic, a $1.3 million LPGA Tour event that got underway Thursday at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio.

Searching for her first LPGA win, the former University of Arizona player carded a 6-under 65 for a one-stroke lead over Paula Creamer in the tournament once known as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic.

No. 1-ranked Inbee Park opened with a 67.

Walshe had eight birdies and two bogeys. Overall, she was pleased with her play. "I've been hitting it probably the best I've hit it in a long time this year," said the 28-year-old from Westford, Mass.

"I've been giving myself a lot of opportunities, and it's frustrating that I haven't been able to really go deep and make some putts."

Creamer, who won the event in 2008 thanks to a career-low 60, was also happy with her start. "I'm very pleased. I had a lot of shots out there that I could have gone lower with," said the nine-time LPGA winner.

"But at the same time, it was a good start. I haven't been able to start off the way I wanted the last couple of events, so this was nice to post a good number."

For updated scores, visit www.lpga.com.