(Belleair Beach) Ontarian Brooke Henderson had nine birdies and shot 62 on Thursday, taking the lead by one stroke at The Annika LPGA tournament.
Henderson made a long putt on her final hole, placing herself one stroke ahead of Jin Young Ko, Patty Tavatanakit, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Minami Katsu.
The Canadian had six birdies on the front nine, where she only needed 29 shots.
Henderson reached the green in prescribed strokes on each hole.
“It’s a great feeling to have so many great birdie opportunities,” said the 26-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls.
Henderson triumphed in Orlando in January in the first competition of the season, the Tournament of Champions.
She has not won a tournament since that time, slipping to 14e place in the CME Globe rankings.
This is the last tournament before the CME Championship. Reserved for the top 60, this event is the last tournament of the LPGA season.
Tavatanakit had seven birdies, she is 61e.
Defending champion Nelly Korda brought home a card of 70.
Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., started the tournament with a 72.
Szeryk ranks 99e position in the ranking. The players in the top 100 maintain their status on the women’s circuit with a view to 2024.