Neumann grabs one-shot lead

Liselotte Neumann fired eight birdies en route to a six-under-par 65 and a one-shot lead after the first round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

A 13-time winner on tour, Neumann has just one victory in the last seven years. The Swede’s best finish this season is 12th at the Ginn Clubs and Resorts Open.

Neumann birdied three of her first five holes on the Highland Meadows Golf Club course and kept up her momentum on her back nine.

“The greens were holding and I tried to play very aggressive and go for the pins,” Neumann said. “Overall, though, I’m very happy with the round.”

Starting on the 10th, Neumann made the turn at three-under and then birdied three of her first four holes coming in. She gave a shot back with a bogey on the par-five seventh but rebounded with a birdie to close her round.

“I was very solid of the tee. I only missed one fairway and putted great. I made eight birdies and only made two mistakes,” Neumann said. “I’m very happy with the round. It’s the best I have hit the ball in a while and the best I have putted all year.”

Sung Ah Yim, Reilley Rankin and Michelle Estill were tied for second at five-under 66, with Paula Creamer, Laura Davies, Natalie Gulbis, Karen Weiss, Diana D’Alessio and Ashli Bunch another shot back at four-under.

Playing in the event for the first time in five years, Annika Sorenstam was four shots back after a two-under 69. Sorenstam, who won this event in 2000, had two birdies and 16 pars.

Defending champion Heather Young carded a two-over 73.