Liz Earley enjoys solo trip around Squaw Creek in early morning

It was the first time in her eight-year professional career that Earley played alone.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
VIENNA -- Liz Earley plans on having better days.
"I might need a calculator," she joked in the scorer's tent Sunday after completing the final round of the Giant Eagle LPGA Classic.
For the first time in her eight-year professional career, Earley played alone. Teeing off first Sunday morning by herself, she shot a 5-over-par 77 for a tournament total of 222.
"It was fun," Earley said. "It was nice not having to wait on anybody and having fresh greens.
"I wasn't rushing," she added. "I was just trying to take my time and do my thing."
Opened with 69
A 33-year-old Canadian, Earley put herself in a good position in the first round Friday with a 69. Her consistency wavered, however, as she followed with 76 Saturday, but still good enough to make the cut.
"It's the first time I've got to play this season and make the cut," she said, "so I'm pleased with that."
Earley tried to improve on her position Sunday, but her round was delayed several times when she requested an official's ruling for standing water on the course.
"It was extremely wet. I had seven or eight embedded balls with my tee shots," Earley said.
"The wet conditions played a part in my scores," she added. "I was hitting some fat shots. My scores didn't indicate how well I really did."
Earley's next challenge is to qualify for the U.S. Open, held July 3-6 at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Beaverton, Ore.
"I've been driving the ball well, and that sets up everything," she said. "I feel like I'm really playing well."