(Évian-Les-Bains) Paula Reto had eight birdies en route to a 64 card, seven under par on Thursday, and caused a big upset by climbing to the top of the standings after the first round of the Championship Évian, one of the five major LPGA tournaments.
The 33-year-old South African holds a two-stroke lead over New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, the 2015 tournament champion.
Three other golfers brought back cards of 66: the French Céline Boutier, the American Alison Lee and the Thai Wichanee Meechai, who recovered after committing a bogey and a double bogey early in her round.
“I had so much fun,” Reto chimed in. “The view and everything, it’s just fantastic to be here. I made some quality shots early in the round and gave myself some (birdie) chances. »
Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada shot 69 to tie for 19th with 15 rivals. Henderson concluded his day with four birdies and two bogeys.
Her compatriot Maddie Szeryk, the only other Canadian entered, finished her day with a score of 71, equal to par.
Reto’s spectacular round possibly surprised because she has just one career win on the LPGA Tour. Plus, she’s never done better than an 18th-place finish at a major tournament.
“You never know here with this course. Anything is possible,” Reto said. “It’s about giving yourself the best opportunity to hit pars and birdies.
Her only blunder came on the 11th hole, where she bogeyed.