Japan’s Nasa Hataoka shot a 7-under par to seize a share of the lead in Thursday’s opening round of the LPGA Drive On Championship on the U.S. women’s tour.
Hataoka carded eight birdies against one bogey to share a one-stroke lead with American Marina Alex at the par-72 Crown Colony Golf and Country Club.
Nasa Hataoka of Japan hits off the 13th tee during the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship on Feb. 3, 2022, at Crown Colony Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Teeing off on the back nine, Hataoka started with a bang by sinking a tough 20-foot birdie in a round of crisp putting that she credited to work with her coach the day before.
“From addressing the ball, all the way through the stroke, my putting has been inconsistent,” she said. “Today I was less stressed out than usual.”
