Rohanna, Lopez open with 2-over in inaugural event
Rachel Rohanna and playing partner Lee Lopez were unable to get their game rolling Wednesday, finishing with a 2-over 72 in the opening round of the inaugural LPGA Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational.
Rohanna and Lopez sit in a tie in 42nd place, but just one stroke outside the anticipated cut for the low 35 scores and ties.
Canadians Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp hold the first-round lead at 5-under 65.
The pair had bogeys on Nos. 6 and 8, both par-4s, to go out in 2-over 37. Rohanna and Lopez carded their lone birdie of the round on No. 11, but gave the stroke right back on the next hole to play the back nine in even-par 35.
“Today was alternate shot. Just take par and get out of there,” said Rohanna. “We both played really steady golf. I had one poor tee shot and she had one poor approach shot, but other than that it was just steady golf which is what you need in alternate shot.”
Rohanna continued, adding with emphasis, “We got into some trouble on one hole, but we took bogey and went on to the next! Alternate shot is just so hard. Hopefully, we’ll have more birdies tomorrow.”
The field plays best ball in Thursday’s second round at Midland Country Club in Midland, Mich.
“The top 35 teams after tomorrow’s best ball advance. So, best ball is actually best score. I hit the ball much farther than her, so our plan for tomorrow is for Lee to hit first and play for fairways/greens/pars and I’m going to play a little more aggressively and go for birdies,” explained Rohanna. “It should be a good combo. Lee is usually pretty steady and if I can get a streak going we can post some birds!”