Morgan Pressel Leads the Corning Classic
Morgan Pressel, Song-Hee Kim and Laura Diaz made the most of the defending champion’s absence at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. Each shot a 7-under 64 after Paula Creamer withdrew, taking a one-shot lead over Michelle Wie and Suzann Pettersen after Thursday’s opening round at Highland Meadows. Creamer, who shot a personal-best and course-record 60 in last year’s first round, withdrew because of a thumb injury moments before her morning tee time.
Pressel was second at the Farr two years ago to five-time winner Se Ri Pak. She didn’t have a bogey and birdied four holes in a row late in her round. Her 64 matched her best round since joining the tour in 2006.
After bursting on the scene with a runner-up finish at the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open, Pressel was considered a budding LPGA star, and became the youngest player to win a major at the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship. She’s won only once since, and is trying to end a victory drought just like her co-leaders. Kim, who is winless in 56 career LPGA Tour events, twice birdied three consecutive holes during her round. Diaz hasn’t won in seven years, but holed a wedge shot for eagle at the par-4 17th hole to move to the top of the leaderboard.
