AFP, Grand Rapids :
Former Women’s British Open runner-up Katherine Kirk got off to an electrifying start Thursday to fire a seven-under 64 for a share of the lead after the first round of the Meijer Classic.
The 33-year-old Aussie is tied with Americans Dori Carter and Lizette Salas as all three took advantage of the calmer conditions that greeted the morning starters to post low scores at the Blythefield Country Club course in the US state of Michigan.
“I drove it pretty well and I think I hit 16 greens and made quite a few birdies and an eagle,” said Kirk, who is seeking her third win on the US Tour. “So I got off to a good start and kind of just kept it going, which was nice.” Jaye Marie Green and Taiwanese rookie Hsu Wei-Ling were tied behind the leaders at 65 after the first 18 holes of the $2 million LPGA Tour event. The group at 66 included Kris Tamulis, Baek Kyu-Jung, Ilhee Lee and Jane Rah.
Kirk was red-hot right from the beginning as she started on the back nine. The Brisbane native was four-under through the first four holes which included an eagle on the par-five 11th.
