Bowie leads at Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Heather Bowie shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday to take the first-round lead of the State Farm Classic at Springfield, Ill.

Natalie Gulbis, Sherri Turner and Tina Barrett all recorded rounds of 6-under-par 66 and are tied for second place.

Karrie Webb, Pat Hurst, Dina Ammaccapane, Rachel Hetherington, Vikki Laing and Jenna Daniels all are knotted in fifth after opening with 5-under-par 67s.

The 30-year-old Bowie forged ahead at No. 18 when she hit a pitching-wedge to within four feet of the cup to set up her fifth birdie of the round and sole possession of the lead.

Defending champion Cristie Kerr is part of a group tied for 11th at 4-under 68.