Lewis off to Good Start in Alabama


Stacy Lewis fired an 8-under 64 to take a share of the lead with South Korean Mi Jung Hur in the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic. The $1.3 million, 72-hole event started Thursday on the Senator Course in Prattville, Ala.

Lewis, the winner of the tournament in 2012 and the No. 1-ranked player in women's professional golf thanks to three victories this year, posted eight birdies, matching Hur's scorecard.

She enjoys playing on the turf used at the Senator Course, one of the stops on Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

"I grew up playing on Bermuda grass, which I think that helps a lot, you know, just reading greens and understanding the different types of lies, but it feels like home," noted the former Arkansas star who grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. "The heat, the humidity, I'm used to it."

Hur also enjoyed her first-round outing. "I feel pretty good with this course." Hur finished tied for third in the Evian Masters last week.

South African Paula Reto had a 65 and Cydney Clanton, Sweden's Karin Sjodin and Japan's Ayako Uehara opened with 66s.

For updated scores, visit www.lpga.com.