Golf: Park grabs Kia Classic lead

CARLSBAD: American Jane Park, in search of her first LPGA title in her sixth season on the tour, fired a six-under par 66 to seize the first-round lead in the Kia Classic.

Park played without a bogey, but she had some big names in striking distance.

Hall of Famer Karrie Webb of Australia had six birdies and one bogey in her five-under 67, which had her tied for second alongside Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall.

Meanwhile, Italian Giulia Sergas and American Jessica Korda were tied for fourth on 68.

Park started on the back nine and birdied 13 and 17. After another birdie at the second, she birdied three in a row from the fourth.

“The golf courses here just really fit my eye,” said Park. “I just love this style of golf course, so maybe that’s why I played pretty well today.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2013.