The weather was perfect on a sunny Thursday in Ft. Myers and Nasa Hataoka had a successful launch, so to speak.
The world’s ninth-ranked player put together a seven-under par 65 at the Crown Colony Country Club and shared the first round lead with world No. 67 Marina Alex at the Drive-On championship.
Hataoka has a strong track record in three-round events. Her last two victories occurred at 54-hole tournaments — the 2021 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and the Dana Open, where the fourth round was washed by rain. Of her five Tour wins, four were earned at three-round tournaments.
“Three-day tournaments, yes, I have a good image of it, so hopefully I can play two more good rounds,” said Hataoka.
This is the last stop of the LPGA Tour’s Florida Swing. After this one wraps up on Saturday, the Tour will take the rest of the month off before heading to Asia.
Ever-improving Leona Maquire was a shot back with 66 along with major champion Patty Tavatanakit. Linnea Johansson, the 517-ranked player in the world, was a surprise member of the 66-shooting threesome.
It wasn’t a great day for the Korda sisters. Jessica only made it for six holes until she was forced to withdraw, citing a rib injury. World No. 2 Nelly had a listless opening round with an even par 72 that left her tied for 62nd.
No. 4 Inbee Park’s 70 left her tied for 33rd. Lexi Thompson’s 69 put her in a tie for 21st.
