Neumann leads Jamie Farr Classic by one shot

First-round leader Liselotte Neumann reacts after making a birdie on the fourth hole at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.

Liselotte Neumann of Sweden is the first-round leader in the LPGA tournament at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.

Neumann, surrounded by groups that included Hall of Famers and fan favorites Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez, shot a 6-under 65 today to take the first-round lead in the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger.

Sung Ah Yim and Reilley Rankin finished a shot back at 5 under. Eleven players were within three shots of the lead, including four-time tournament winner Se Ri Pak.

Neumann birdied three of four holes after making the turn and finished her round with a birdie. She was consistent all day and stayed away from any bogeys.

I putted very, very good today and drilled the ball, said Neumann, the 40-year-old Swede who won the last of her 13 LPGA Tour titles in 2004.

Sorenstam, making her first appearance at the Farr since 2001, was four shots behind the leader.

Lopez, playing in an LPGA Tour event for the first time in more than a year, struggled throughout the day, finishing with an 81.

Pak, trying to match Mickey Wright s tour record of five victories in one event, strung together four birdies and appeared to be on her way to a commanding lead.

She made two 15-foot putts on Nos. 10 and 11 to charge out in front. But she hit her tee shot into the trees on the 12th and landed in the rough, taking a double-bogey that brought her back to the rest of the field. Still, she was pleased with the round.

It could ve been better, Pak said. The next three days is going to be fun.

University of Toledo golfer Tammy Clelland carded an 8-over 79.

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