Six Thais placed in top seven after 1st round in LPGA Team event in Michigan USA

After the first day of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, four teams lead the official team event at Midland Country Club at -5 overall.

Jasmine and Cydney this weeks defending champions

Defending champions Cydney Clanton and Jasmine Suwannapura (Team All In) were among three partnerships from the morning wave to record first-round 65s.

Playing alternate shot, the two rebounded from a bogey on No. 4 to card six birdies in the next 14 holes before closing in prime position, including a 40-footer by Clanton from the fringe on No. 16. 

“I made some long putts and Jasmine made some crucial pars on just the first two holes. My speed was a little off on the first two holes, which she just -- she putted amazing,” said Clanton, who became a Rolex First-Time Winner with her win in 2019 alongside Suwannapura. “When the putter is hot and you're in this format, it makes it a little bit easier.” 
 
Also, T1 were Pajaree Anannarukarn and her playing partner Aditi Ashok (The Spice Girls), who posted bogey-free 65s to join Clanton and Suwannapura as leaders.

Team Jelly, which features Rolex Rankings No. 1 Nelly Korda and sister Jessica, were the lone team from the afternoon to reach the top spot.

 
Two teams sit in a tie for fifth at 66 were Wichanee Meechai and Pavarisa Yoktuan (World War 3), and European Solheim Cup Team stalwarts Mel Reid and Carlota Ciganda (Reidy to Fiesta).

Meechai and Yoktuan were 5-under through their first nine holes but struggled on the back-nine with a bogey on No. 14 and eight pars.

Ciganda credited her “200%” trust in Reid en route to their 66. 

The Jutanugarn sisters were well placed at T7, and another four Thais are also in the field.

Patty Tavatanakit and Leona Maguire withdrew prior to the first round to make it 71 total teams competing in Midland, Mich.