PITTSFORD, N.Y., June 21 (UPI) -- Cristie Kerr shot a 6-under 66 Thursday to take the first-round lead in the Wegmans LPGA at Pittsford, N.Y.
Kerr -- who withdrew from the Wegmans with injuries in each of the last two years -- had a one-shot lead over Alena Sharp and a two-shot advantage over Suzann Pettersen, who captured her first major title at the LPGA Championship two weeks ago.
A neck injury forced Kerr to pull out of the tournament last year and she had to withdraw in 2005 when she struck a tree root on her downswing and hurt a wrist.
She came to the tournament suffering a cold this week.
"I actually felt better today," Kerr said. "I told the tournament chairman I promise I'm going to finish your tournament. I love it here. I love the people, all the crowds, the golf course."
Mi Hyun Kim, Brittany Lincicome and Lorena Ochoa -- the world's No. 1 ranked player -- were tied for fourth at 69.
Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel were in a large group at 70.
