They’re going low in Thailand.
That was evident early Thursday when birdies and eagles became the norm at the Siam Country Club.
American Lexi Thompson, who won the Honda LPGA Thailand in 2016 then finished fourth last year, started eagle-birdie and went on to shoot a six-under par 66 that earned her a share of the first round lead. Thompson’s round was helped by a friendly putter — she used just 28 putts for the day.
She was joined at the top by another American — Jessica Korda, who underwent jaw surgery in the offseason but is back and looking good.
Korda made a near-ace on the par three 16th and then finished eagle-birdie to get into a share of the lead. Korda has not won since the 2015 season.
“It’s nice, it’s really, really nice,” said Korda about her start. “Definitely a lot of rest, but it’s just nice to be out there and be able to hit the shots again. I had a strong finish last year, and just kind of cap that off and then start today it’s pretty nice. Started with an eagle, too, and I was like, damn.”
Brittany Lincicome won earlier this season in the Bahamas and she’s just a shot off the lead.
“I drove it well, it’s nice being a longer hitter on this course,” explained Lincicome. “I had 27 putts, which was key. I felt like my game was pretty spectacular.”
Lincicome started her day with birdies on holes one and two. She closed her round with birdies on holes 15 and 17, where she nearly holed out from the fairway.
Canadian Brooke Henderson joined Lincicome in the group of six at 65 along with defending champion Amy Yang.
Michelle Wie was off to a good start and finished her day two back after shooting 68.
World’s No. 1 Shanshan Feng shot 69 while No. 2 Sung Hyun Park came in with 67. No. 3 So Yeon Ryu finished with 68.
American Cristie Kerr had an up-and-down day — four birdies, four bogeys and her even par round left her in a tie for 40th.
