Colombian Paola Moreno fired a bogey free opening round 64 to take a three shot lead into the weekend at the Tullymore Classic.
“Putting for sure,” Moreno said of the key to her strong play. “I made really good putts. I gave myself a lot of good chances and I made eight birdies so I’m pretty happy today with that result.”
Starting on the back nine, Moreno began her day with a birdie and didn’t look back as she carded five more on the front to turn in 6-under 31. Moreno kept the momentum going early in her back nine with birdies on one and two and finished with seven pars to post her 8-under round.
“I haven’t had my best finishes so far but I’m playing well,” Moreno explained. “I’d say my game is in a good place and I just want to take it one shot at a time. I don’t want to go ahead and think about what could happen or not.”
The USC grad has been a member of the LPGA Tour for the past three seasons and is looking to earn her way back through the Epson Tour.
“It’s been great. I really like this tour. The first time that I got my full LPGA card was here so I have great memories. I love the staff. I love the people. I love the players. I’m having a good year and a good time and hopefully I can make more birdies.”
Sitting three back of Moreno are Allison Emrey and Yu Liu while a group of four players – Emma Talley, Pavarisa Yoktuan, Alejandra Cangrejo and Erynne Lee - are four back heading into Saturday’s second round.
Second round play begins on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. off of the first and 10th tees. There will be a cut to the top 60 and ties following second round play. The final round will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday and is expected to conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m. with a trophy ceremony on the 18th green.
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