VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Yuka Saso had a big second nine to shoot a 6-under 66 and take the first round Thursday at the CPKC Women’s Open, while Canadian star Brooke Henderson struggled while playing on the glass for the first time on the LPGA Tour.
Despite the twist at the tree-lined — and mosquito-infested — Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Saso birdied the Nos. 1-4 and 6-7, played her second nine in 6-under 30. The 22-year-old Japanese player won the 2021 US Women’s Open for her only LPGA Tour title.
“I don’t know what happened on the back nine,” Saso said. “I started hitting some good second shots and had short putts for birdies, giving myself more chances.”
Henderson, the 2018 winner at Wascana in Regina, Saskatchewan, opened with a 75. Playing the afternoon, he had four bogeys and one birdie.
“I just wasn’t sharp today,” Henderson said. “Hopefully, just go tomorrow morning early, start early, make a lot of birdies.”
He’s been wearing sunglasses off the course for a long time, but he hasn’t played them.
“At least I can see my ball in the bush, which is a good thing, I think,” Henderson said.
Saso tried to be patient with the mosquitoes.
“The bug spray helped a lot,” he said. “The wind, too.”
Linn Grant was second after an afternoon of 67. The 24-year-old Swede recovered from a bogey on the par-5 11th with birdies on the next four holes. She won the Dana Open in July in Ohio for her first LPGA Tour title.
“I didn’t feel very confident in my swing coming out,” Grant said. “But I found something. You know, golf is golf. You have to accept what you have. “
Canadian Alena Sharp is at 69 with Rose Zhang, 2019 winner Jin Young Ko, Weiwei Zhang, Sei Young Kim and Danielle Kang.
“Honestly, the start was a little shaky,” Sharp said. “I was a little nervous. You should put your blinders on here. The paths are narrow.”
The 20-year-old Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open in June at Liberty National in his first professional start.
“You can’t get comfortable, especially on this golf course,” Zhang said. “Every day circumstances change.”
Nelly Korda leads the group of 70.
“It’s very tight off the tee,” Korda said. “Very few vegetables. And a lot of mosquitoes. “
Canadian amateur Brooke Rivers has 71. The 18-year-old will be a freshman at Wake Forest.
“I feel good.” Rivers said. “Stick to the plan and hit some good shots.”
Three-time winner Lydia Ko shot a 72. She won at the Vancouver Golf Club in 2012 and 2015. Race to CME Globe leader Lilia Vu also had a 72.
Lexi Thompson opened with a 76. She is the No. 157 in the Race to CME Globe and is in danger of losing her LPGA card without having to use a one-time career money exemption.
Defending champion Paula Reto shot 78.
Canadian sisters Maddie and Ellie Szeryk were paired, with Maddie shooting a 73 and Ellie a 77.
Shaughnessy was originally scheduled to host the event in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it by three years.
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