FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 9 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead over five golfers after the first round of the Electrolux USA Championship.
As one of the LPGA's most visible stars, Sorenstam often is slated for afternoon tee times that attract a larger number of fans. But she had an early start Thursday and took advantage of the favorable conditions to post a bogey-free round at the Legends Club of Tennessee Ironhorse Course.
Sorenstam, who leads the money list with $566,242, hopes to rebound from an uncharacteristically poor showing. She tied for 59th at last week's Chick-fil-A Championship. In six previous events this year, she has two wins and a pair of runner-up finishes.
Wendy Ward, Kris Tschetter, Brandie Burton, Mhairi McKay of Scotland and Wendy Doolan of Australia all shot 67s on Thursday to share second place.
Defending champion Juli Inkster, who earned her 27th career victory last week, shot a 71. Last year, Inkster carded a final-round 65 here to post a one-stroke victory over Catriona Matthew. Sorenstam, the 2001 Player of the Year, finished two shots off the pace.
