Stanford, O’Toole lead in Japan Classic

United States' Angela Stanford tees off in the singles matches on Day3 of the Golf Solheim Cup in St.Leon-Rot, Germany – AP Photo

AFP: Americans Angela Stanford and Ryann O’Toole shot seven-under 65s to share the lead after the first round of the TOTO Japan Classic on Friday.

Sanford fired eight birdies and one bogey, while O’Toole shot seven birdies, two bogeys and an eagle on the par-4 fourth.

“I had an eagle on 4, 108 yards with a gap wedge from the rough,” O’Toole said. “I played for it to release and it went in so that was a really good eagle. I just felt like I played steady and that I could swing away with no problem,” she added. “I struck the ball really well and I also putted very well.” 

Stanford also voiced confidence over her putts in sunny conditions at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club in western Mie Prefecture.

“My putter was hot,” Stanford said. “I think I had 24 total putts and that’s pretty close to a career-low,” she said.

“I was reading the putts really well. I was seeing the line better than I have all year so I was very about the reads.”

The Americans are followed by six-under Ai Suzuki of Japan and four South Korean players – Jeon Mi-Jeong, Ilhee Lee, Jenny Shin, Kim Ha-Neul.