The idea was to make the Colorado Women’s Open, at least in Wednesday’s opening round, a more scoring-friendly tournament. Pin placements were far more accessible than previous years, the better to make sure the 151 players in the field had their chance to shine.
So what happens? Only one player broke par on the 6,325-yard, par-72 course at Green Valley Ranch. Lisa Ferrero, of Lodi, Calif., shot 2-under 70 to take an early lead in the three-round tournament.
Five players are two shots back at even-park: Albuquerque’s Katie Kempter, a member of the University of Denver golf team; Loveland’s Bethany Buchner; Moira Dunn of Utica, N.Y.; Tamara Beckett, of Queensland, Australia; and Renee Skidmore of Everett, Wash.
After last year’s opening round, there were eight players under par, led by Sara Brown at 4-under.
Not included at the top of Wednesday’s leaderboard was Jill McGill. The former Denver resident and current member of the LPGA Tour shot an opening-round 77.
“Well it is hockey season,” McGill joked after her round. “Today was a beautiful thing; I feel my game is right where I want it to be… and if you could write that with as much sarcasm as you can, I would appreciate it.”
The best round of the day may have been turned in by Somin Lee. The Colorado Class 5A state champion from Overland is competing in the Pro-Am portion of the tournament. Playing as the partner of Whitney Myers of Phoenix, that team shot a 61. There were a number of holes that Lee didn’t play out. Afterwards, the junior estimated that had she putted out every hole she would have finished with a 67.
Anthony Cotton: 303-954-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com
