Gustafson takes narrow advantage

Sophie Gustafson, seeking her first LPGA Tour victory in two years, shot a 6-under 66 Thursday and held a one-stroke lead over three golfers after the first round of the Longs Drugs Challenge.

Gustafson, a three-time LPGA Tour champion and a member of the recently victorious European Solheim Cup team, had eight birdies and a double bogey at the 6,465-yard Lincoln Hills Club course which is hosting the tournament for the first time after seven years at nearby Twelve Bridges Golf Club.

Gustafson, who has four top-10 finishes this season and is tied for 32nd on the money list, moved into a tie for the lead after she two-putted from 30 feet for a birdie on No. 8, a par 5, then moved to 6 under with a 7-foot birdie putt on her closing hole.

Karrie Webb, Michelle Ellis and Grace Park were tied for second at 67.

"I've been playing good for the past two months," Gustafson said. "I've had three wins in the last two months, so it's been working well."

Despite her LPGA victory drought, Gustafson has been victorious in recent tournaments in Ireland, Sweden and Spain and has 15 international titles.

"I think my confidence has gone up, and I've improved my chipping, so that helps me," she said.

Webb, looking for her second LPGA title of the season, began play on the back nine. She had an eagle on No. 11 and recorded four birdies and a bogey.

Ellis, a non-winner in three LPGA seasons, had six birdies and a bogey while touring the course wearing her signature Notre Dame University cap.

Park, also vying for her second title of the season, also eagled No. 11.

Two-time tournament winner Juli Inkster, Wendy Ward, Lorie Kane, Gloria Park, Patricia Baxter-Johnson and Smitri Mehra, India's only professional golfer, all had 68s.

"In the second half of the season I've been playing a lot more consistently," said Webb, who won the John Q. Hammons Hotel Classic three weeks ago. "I've really worked hard this year, so it's good to see better results. But it's not like it was a few years ago. I played the best of my career then and you can't do that year in and year out."

Webb, who has 29 career LPGA victories, was the world's No. 1-ranked player in 2000, but was dropped to third in 2001 and fifth in 2002.

Defending champion Cristie Kerr shot an even-par 72.

Angela Jerman, an LPGA Tour rookie, held the tournament lead at 7 under after 13 holes but dropped four stokes over the final five holes.

Cindy Rarick withdrew from the tournament following a 70 citing fatigue. Sally Little also withdrew after five holes with a rib injury.

The winner of the $1 million tournament will earn $150,000.

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