CORNING, N.Y., May 23 (UPI) -- Beth Bader sank the first hole-in-one of her LPGA career on Thursday, helping her gain a share of the lead after the first round of the Corning Classic.
In her second year on the tour, Bader has struggled in her brief career, never finishing higher than 30th in any event.
But the 28-year-old enjoyed her best round on Thursday at Corning Country Club, shooting a 6-under-par 66 to tie Laura Diaz and Sherri Steinhauer atop the leaderboard.
Bader had the highlight of her round at the par-3 15th hole, using a pitching wedge from 125 yards hole for her first ace. It was the fifth hole-in-one on the tour this year.
Bader finished her round with six birdies and two bogeys.
Afterward, she talked about what made her day a success.
"I definitely stayed committed the whole day," she said. "That's the one thing I'm very proud of."
She plans more of the same Friday.
