Birdie Spree Gives Massey LPGA Lead by One
Debbie Massey, winless on the LPGA Tour since 1979, birdied four of her last six holes for a four-under-par 68 Thursday and a one-shot lead in the first round of the $200,000 Elizabeth Arden golf tournament.
Massey, beginning her 10th year on the tour, had a chance for a fifth birdie on her last hole but missed a six-foot putt.
“I really wanted that birdie,” Massey said. “I got a little aggressive on the putt, and I didn’t get the break I needed.”
Tied at 69 were Ayako Okamoto of Japan, Sally Little, Dawn Coe, Muffin Spencer-Devlin, Elaine Crosby and Penny Pulz.
Okamoto’s numbers were confusing but amazing. She scored her 69 while missing 11 greens. Along with two chip-ins from off the green, she had nine one-putts.
Defending champion JoAnne Carner shot a 74.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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