On the liNKS
On the liNKS
Thursday’s pro golf results
CIMB CLASSIC
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Scott Piercy shot a 10-under 62 on Thursday to take a three-stroke lead after the first round of the PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic. The American had 10 birdies in his bogey-free round at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was second in the event also sanctioned by the Asian Tour. Americans Keagan Bradley, Jason Gore and Charles Howell III were another stroke back at 66 along with Germany’s Alex Cejka and Australia’s Cameron Smith. Two-time defending champion Ryan Moore of the United States had a 67. Australia’s Adam Scott opened with a 68.
BLUE BAY LPGA
HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA
China’s Lin Xi-yu took the lead in the windy Blue Bay LPGA, while Lydia Ko struggled in her first round since regaining the No. 1 spot in the world. The 19-year-old Lin shot a 5-under 67 in difficult conditions at Jian Lake Blue Bay. She had the lone bogey-free round on a day when only 10 of the 80 players broke par. Ko opened with a 77, her highest score since a career-worst 80 in high wind last year at Royal Birkdale in the Women’s British Open. She won the LPGA Taiwan by nine strokes Sunday to regain the No. 1 spot in the world from Inbee Park. The 18-year-old New Zealander has a tour-high five victories this season, winning three times her last five starts. Austin Ernst was second after a 68. Fellow Americans Ryann O’Toole and Jane Park were at 70 along with South Koreans Jenny Shin and Sei Young Kim.
TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN
ANTALYA, TURKEY
South Africa’s Jaco van Zyl shot an 11-under 61 to take a three-shot lead after the first round of the Turkish Airlines Open. Van Zyl eagled the par-5 11th hole and had nine birdies at Montgomerie Maxx Royal The round doesn’t count as course record because preferred lies were used in the wet conditions. England’s Lee Westwood was second after a 64. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy had a 67. The tournament opens the European Tour’s four-event Finals Series.
Associated Press