Lydia Ko, 16, of New Zealand shoots 71 in pro debut on LPGA Tour; Sandra Gal leads by 2 shots
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this photo taken on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, hits a tee shot during the pro-am of the LPGA Titleholders golf tournament at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Naples Daily News, David Albers) FORT MYERS OUT, TV OUT, MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)
Lydia Ko didn't feel too many nerves in her pro debut on the LPGA Tour. It just took her awhile to make some birdies.
Ko overcame an early double bogey with three birdies on the back nine for a 1-under 71 in the LPGA Titleholders. The 16-year-old New Zealander already has won two LPGA Tour events. She does not officially become a member until next year.
Sandra Gal started much differently. She birdied her opening six holes at Tiburon Golf Club, and then rallied late with two more birdies for an 8-under 64.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gal has a two-shot lead over Anna Nordqvist, who can make more money this week than she has all year if she wins. First place is $700,000, the richest payoff in women's golf.