Sandra Gal leads LPGA Tour event

ROGERS, Ark., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Sandra Gal birdied the first three holes and eagled the 18th Friday for a 7-under 64 that gave her the lead after one round of the NW Arkansas Championship.

Gal, in her second year on the LPGA Tour, is seeking her first victory. She had the opening-round lead in June at the Wegmans LPGA before eventually finishing in a tie for 10th.

Song-Hee Kim was alone in second at 65. Brittany Lang, Pat Hurst and Angela Stanford shared third place at 66.

Gal made birdie putts of 10, 15 and 20 feet at the opening three holes. She closed her round by hitting her second shot at the par-5 18th to within 15 feet and making the putt.

"It happens to a lot of players when they shoot a low score: The next day it's just not going to go that well," Gal said. "You have to forget yesterday. That's what I've got to do tomorrow."

Michelle Wie, who for the first time in her rookie LPGA Tour season missed the cut last week, was tied for 21st at 69.