Gulbis takes LPGA lead

MOREILA, Mexico, April 21 (UPI) -- A 6-under 66 Thursday gave Natalie Gulbis a two-shot lead after the opening round of the inaugural Corona Morelia Championship.

Carin Koch and Audra Burks shared second place at 68 while Nancy Scranton, Maria Hjorth and Giulia Sergas all shot 69.

Gulbis got her round started with three straight birdies beginning at her second hole.

"I am very fortunate that I have good distance off the tee," Gulbis said. "That definitely helps on a golf course like this. I had a lot of wedges today and you can fire at pins when you have short wedges in your hands."

Wendy Ward, a winner last week on the LPGA Tour, was among those at 71.