Kuala Lumpur: American-based professional Cindy Lee-Pridgen surprised her younger compatriots on the opening day of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Qualifiers on Thursday, carding an even-par 71 top the domestic leaderboard
The 37-year-old mother of two boys carved out a four-shot advantage over national amateur Michelle Koh and Sarawak’s Dianne Luke, who carded matching four-over 75s at the rain-drenched East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
Lee-Pridgen, who played in the inaugural edition of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia on a sponsor’s exemption, was delighted with her opening effort.
“I played well. I struck the ball well today, which I was very happy about and had some great ups and downs from the bunkers, and also some good chips.”
“It would be great if I can do the same tomorrow but even if I don’t get the spot, the fact that I played well is good enough for me. I’m not trying to think of the results too much, but to just go out there and play,” noted the Sabahan, who had represented Malaysia in the 2005 Women’s World Cup Golf in South Africa.
Coming off victories at the China Amateur and Warren Ford Amateur meets, Koh admitted that the rain delay affected her momentum. “It was very enjoyable, but I had a little bit of a tough start. It got better as the day progressed, especially since I had a few birdies to cover it up. The course was fantastic although the greens were a bit slow after the rain.
“I missed a couple of short putts out there and I think that really affected me, so I hope my putting does the trick tomorrow,” added the 22- year-old University of Campbell graduate, who is eyeing her maiden appearance at the prestigious US$2 million tournament.
In the regional division, Chinese Taipei’s Ssu-Chia Cheng leads compatriot Pei-Yun Chien by a single shot on the back of an impressive first round two-under 69. India’s up-and-coming junior Aditi Ashok settled for a share of third alongside Thai Wichanee Meechai on one-over 72.
Only the top two Malaysians and regional players respectively at the end of the second and final round tomorrow will earn valuable sponsor exemptions to the tournament proper to be held from October 10-13.
Leading first round scores – National
71 – Cindy Lee-Pridgen
75 – Michelle Koh, Dianne Luke
77 – Nur Durriyah Damian
78 – Hillferah Tan, Loy Hee Ying
79 – Aretha Pan Herng
80 – Kelie Kan Kah Yan
88 – Shareen Rena Lai
Leading first round scores – Regional
69 – Ssu-Chia Cheng (TPE)
70 – Pei-Yun Chien (TPE)
72 – Aditi Ashok (IND), Wichanee Meechai (THA)
73 – Chihiro Ikeda (PHI), Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul (THA)
74 – Cyna Marie Rodriquez, Ai Chen Kuo (TPE), I-Wen Chen (TPE), Yu-Hsin Chang (TPE), Tiranan Yoopan (THA)
