Kohler, WI (Sports Network) - Suzann Pettersen carded a 4-under 68 on Friday
to take the lead at the U.S. Women's Open, the third major on the LPGA
calendar.
Pettersen, who was a runner-up to Paula Creamer at this event in 2010,
finished 36 holes at 5-under-par 139.
She's just one stroke ahead of two Americans -- Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie,
who share second at minus-4.
Kerr, one of three first-round leaders, is in pursuit of her third major
championship and second U.S. Women's Open title, having won in 2007. She
carded a 1-under 71 on Friday at Blackwolf Run.
Wie's presence at the top of the leaderboard is a mild surprise when placed
within the context of her season. The 22-year-old has missed the cut six times
and hasn't finished inside the top-30 all year.
Still, Wie is a two-time winner on the LPGA and owns six top-5 finishes in
major tournaments. Her 6-under 66 on Friday immediately pulled her into
contention.
Inbee Park, the 2008 winner, shot a 2-under 70 to reach minus-3. She shares
fourth place with Sandra Gal (70) and Vicky Hurst (70).
Missing from the top of the leaderboard are the top two players in the world,
Yani Tseng and Stacy Lewis, who are part of a large group tied for 29th at
plus-2. Lewis managed a 3-under 69 to rebound from a poor first round, while
Tseng carded a round of even-par 72.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
The Sports Network