South Korea's Kim Song-hee shot a seven-under 64 to seize a share of the lead after the opening round of the LPGA Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

Americans Laura Diaz and Morgan Pressel also shot 64's on the Highland Meadows Golf Club on Thursday.

Last year's winner Paula Creamer pulled out with a left hand injury earlier in the week while Michelle Wie is near the top of the leaderboard after shooting a six-under 65. Wie is tied for fourth with Suzann Pettersen.

Kim made bogey on the opening hole but rolled in four consecutive birdies beginning at number four got her to three-under par.

She added three more straight birdies after the turn which moved her to six-under. A bogey at 16 dropped her two off the lead.

Kim, who has five top tens this season, birdied her final two holes for a piece of the lead.

"After missing the cut last week I was a little nervous with my game, with my swing and everything," said Kim. "I am glad I played well today."

Kim's compatriot Shin Jiyai continued her fine form with a five-under 66 on Thursday. She is tied for sixth place with five others including South Korean's Park Inbee and Lee Jee Young. There are four South Koreans in the top 11.

World number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico fired shot a 67 and is part of a large group tied for 12th place.

AFP

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