MIDLAND (Mich.) — Annika Sorenstam, a Hall of Famer was back at the top of the LPGA Tour leaderboard Wednesday. She was paired up with Madelene Sgstrom in a Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational.
Sagstrom and Sorenstam shot a 5-under 65 in alternate shot play at Midland Country Club to share the first-round lead with Dewi Weber and Pauline Roussin.
Sorenstam stated that it is different because it is a team format. I have a wonderful partner. I dont think so, but its nice for you to be on the board. I try to keep my eyes on my game and use the skills I have to do the best I can.
Sorenstam, 51 years old, will be making her second LPGA Tour debut of the year. This is her third start since she retired after the 2008 season. The teams will play better golf Thursday and Saturday, and alternate shots again Friday.
Sorenstam said, It was really fun. I think we had really great chemistry. It was a great experience. I was happy to be here, and I told Madelene that on the range. I was excited to play and really felt it.
Sorenstam failed to make the cut in last months U.S. Womens Open, and then tied for fourth last Thursday in Nevada in last weeks American Century Championship against mostly men.
Sorenstam said that she didnt feel any pressure or pressure from her partner. I felt good about most of my shots. There were some shots that could have been better, and I was a bit more aggressive with my putts, but it was all calm golf. It was fairways. It was greens.
Sagstrom won at Boca Rio the 2020 Gainbridge LPGA. This was her only tour title. They finished the turn at 3 under and had three straight birdies on Nos. They finished at 12-14, and lost a stroke on the par-4 16th.
Sagstrom stated, I was, like This is too beautiful, It worked out so wonderful. I was able to make some good drives for her, too. We just took advantage and made the most of the opportunities that we had. We had many more, but it was still a very enjoyable day.
Weber and Roussin both have no wins on the tour. They had a bogey free round and finished on the front nine after Sorenstam, Sagstrom had completed play for the back nine.
Weber stated that Were team French Fry and Apple Pie.
Sorenstam, Sagstrom, and Brittany Altomare were in the round, with the Americans shooting 71. The round was delayed by 40 minutes due to morning rain.
Jodi Ewart-Emma Talley, Jillian Holly-Lauren Stephenson, and Pornanong Pavarisa Yoktuan were the teams that shot 66. At 67, Allison Emrey followed by Katherine Perry-Hamski.
Lizette Salas, Jennifer Kupcho, and Lizette Webb topped the group at number 68. Sisters Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda topped the group at 69. Marina Alex and Karrie Webb, both 47 years old, were also there.
Ariya Jutanugarn, the defending champion, shot 73.
The tournament will conclude Saturday, so players can fly to France next week for their fourth major at the Evian Championship. This will kick off the European portion on the LPGA Tour schedule which includes the Women’s British Open at Muirfield.
