Kang Leads As LPGA Tour Returns From Virus Hiatus
Zeeshan Mehtab Published August 01, 2020 | 09:10 AM
Chicago, Aug 1 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2020 ) :Danielle Kang produced a flawless round to take the lead at the Drive On Championship on Friday as the LPGA Tour resumed after its five-month coronavirus shutdown.
Kang carded a six-under-par 66 at the Inverness Club at Toledo, Ohio to lead by one shot from England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who also had a bogey-free round with a five-under-par 67.
The 27-year-old Kang showed no signs of rustiness after the Tour's long layoff, making three birdies and six pars to reach the turn on three under.
Three more birdies nown the stretch, including a birdie on the last capped an impressive round for the 2017 Women's PGA Championship winner.
"Bogey-free, six under, I feel pretty good," Kang said afterwards. "There was no hot streak, it was kind of consistent. My caddie and I haven't worked together in six months, so it was fun to be out there." This week's 54-hole tournament is taking place without spectators, a novelty that Kang said she was still getting used to.
"I would definitely think it's calmer, more level headed. Maybe that's good for me," Kang said.
"But I also really like the fans. Today was very mellow. I'm pretty sure that's the fans not being around. I also really love it when there are a lot of roars." A crowded leaderboard lurks just behind Kang and Ewart Shadoff. Frenchwoman Celine Boutier is tied for third with South Africa's Lee-Anne Pace after both women carded four-under-par 68s.
Three players, including Lydia Ko, Lee Minjee and Amy Olson share fifth at three under.
New Zealander Ko's round included a birdie on the last just two holes after her only bogey of the day.
The 23-year-old former world number one said she simply relieved to be playing again.
"It's nice to just be playing," Ko said. "I saw some of the girls and I was like, 'Man, it's nice to not see you through a virtual app or just on social media.' It's nice to just be able to see them."Ko revealed she had spent her time off practising in Florida, often playing alongside fellow professionals Anne van Dam and Lindy Duncan"We played for push-ups a lot of times," said Ko. "If somebody made a birdie the other had to do push-ups. We were getting physically stronger at the same time."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
NHA restores traffic on roads affected by recent rains in Balochistan
China to fully support Pakistan's efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang
U.S. envoy calls on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
Poland arrests man over suspected plan to kill Zelensky
EU wants to ease youth movement to and from UK
Police foils attempt of supply mainpuri raw material
More Stories From Sports
-
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
5 hours ago -
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
5 hours ago -
Former England Test batsman Raman Subba Row dies aged 92
8 hours ago -
Rybakina beats Kudermetova to reach last eight in Stuttgart
8 hours ago -
Arsenal paid for 'big mistake' in Bayern defeat: Arteta
10 hours ago -
Matthews leads West Indies women to convincing victory over Pakistan in series opener
10 hours ago
-
Former number one Momota retires from international badminton at 29
13 hours ago -
Former number one Momota retires from international badminton at 29
11 hours ago -
Former number one Momota retires from international badminton at 29
14 hours ago -
Azam experiences discomfort during Wednesday's training session
11 hours ago -
Azam Khan likely to miss T20I series against Kiwis due to discomfort in right knee
15 hours ago -
Former number one Momota retires from international badminton at 29
15 hours ago