SPORTS

Merkle, Kim lead LPGA qualifying event

Staff reports

August Kim of Purdue University, the champion of the Big 10 this year, and Kristina Merkle, a second-year pro on the developmental Symetra Tour, each fired rounds of 6-under 66 Thursday to take the first-round lead in the first-stage LPGA qualifying tournament in Rancho Mirage.

Kim and Merkel each shot their rounds on the Arnold Palmer Course at Mission Hills Country Club, one of three courses being used in the four-day, 72-hole qualifying event.

Merkle managed seven birdies and one bogey in her round, while Kim, still an amateur, had six birdies, one eagle and two bogeys.

Seven players, including Taylor Kim of Canada and amateur Daniela Darquea of Ecuador, are among a group at 67 after the first round. Of the top nine players, only Savannah Vilaubi shot her round on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club. The rest were at the Palmer Course or the Gary Player Course at Westin Mission Hills Resort. Six of the top nine players are Americans.

In all, 347 players from 20 countries are trying to be among the low 90 players and ties at the end of four rounds to advance to the second stage of qualifying in October.  Five players withdrew either before or during the first round, leaving just 342 players.

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