(Vancouver) Yuka Saso took first place in the CPKC Women’s Open by a 66 on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Japanese totaled eight birdies, including six in seven holes on her back nine.
“I can’t quite explain it,” she said. I started to have several chances to land short putts. »
She had been the victim of two bogeys in the first half of the course.
Saso won the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open.
At less than six, she has a priority shot ahead of Sweden’s Linn Grant, author of four consecutive birdies on the second nine.
Grant triumphed at the Dana Open in July in Ohio, earning his first career victory.
Alena Sharp of Canada is among six players two shots off the lead.
Chinese Weiwei Zhang, Americans Rose Zhang and Danielle Kang and South Koreans Sei Young Kim and Jin Young Ko also shot 69.
Wearing glasses for the first time in a tournament, Canada’s Brooke Henderson shot 75, scoring four bogeys.
She won this tournament in 2018 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
“I just didn’t play well,” Henderson said. I hope to have a better start to the round on Friday. »
Nelly Korda is part of a quartet at 70, one shot ahead of Canadian Brooke Rivers and five other rivals.
Defending champion Paula Reto had a miserable day, shooting 78.
The tournament takes place at the Shaughnessy Club. The event was to take place there in 2020, before the pandemic hit.
There are 15 Canadians competing in the country’s only LPGA tournament.
