Lee-Anne Pace had a torrid front nine in round one of the LPGA Volvik Championship and turned in three-over-par, but clawed her way back to a round of 72 to share 33rd place.
The world number 35 hasn’t missed a cut since the beginning of the year, topped by a sole second result at the LPGA Swinging Skirts Classic. On Thursday she played with aplomb over the back nine, adding birdies at the 11th, 14th, and 18th to salvage her round.
In her last three tournaments Pace has not made the top 25, so she’ll be keen to make the best of her decent start in Michigan this week.
Christina Kim led the way with a round of eight-under-par 64, followed by Ariya Jutangarn in second. Minjee Lee, So Yeon Ryu, and Marina Alex were a further stroke behind and shared third place.
Kim started on the 10th and was helped to the turn by an eagle at the 14th. She opened up on the second loop, where she made five birdies and no drops before signing for 64.
