DANVILLE, California – Sophie Gustafson shot a 7-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the CVS/Pharmacy LPGA Challenge on Thursday.
Gustafson, the Swede who won the last of her four career US LPGA Tour victories in 2003, had eight birdies and a bogey on the Blackhawk Country Club course.
Sophia Sheridan, playing in her third tour event of the year, matched Angela Stanford and Na Ri Kim at 67.
Jennifer Rosales eagled the par-4 17th to shoot a three-under 69 for joint 10th place with Suzanne Pettersen and eight others, four strokes off the pace.
Rosales, still searching for a top 10 finish after 15 tournaments in the season, appeared headed for another so-so start with two birdies and two bogeys after 15 holes. But she birdied the par-5 15th and then knocked down her approach shot on No. 17 for a 37-32 card.
It was a solid start for Rosales, who turned 31 last week, as the two-time LPGA winner missed only two fairways and went out of regulation three times.
Fil-Am Dorothy Delasin carded a 73 for a share of 64th.
Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa had five straight birdies in a 68. (AP)