Rain again halts action at LPGA NW Arkansas Championship
ROGERS, United States (AFP) — The LPGA NW Arkansas Championship was shortened to 18 holes on Saturday after rain again prevented completion of the first round.
After heavy rain left the course unplayable, play was halted Saturday with 36 golfers still to complete the opening round that started on Friday.
Although a handful of players began the second round on Saturday, officials later decided it would be futile to try to complete even 36 holes.
"Due to heavy rains resulting in unplayable course conditions at Pinnacle Country Club, with more rain forecasted for Sunday, officials with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and tournament officials with the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship Presented by John Q. Hammons have determined the event will be shortened from 54 to 18 holes," a statement released through the LPGA said.
Amateur Stacy Lewis completed a seven-under 65 on Saturday morning to seize a one-shot lead over Kristy McPherson, Teresa Lu of Taiwan and Katherine Hull of Australia.
McPherson, Lu and Hull shared the clubhouse lead after posting 66s on Friday.
Sherri Turner and Juli Inkster were both in the clubhouse on 67. South Korea's Jin Young Park was at five-under through 14 holes when play was suspended on Saturday.
World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa of Mexico, Norway's Suzann Pettersen and American Paula Creamer, the top three on the LPGA money list, are not entered, while South Korea's Mi Hyun Kim, fourth on the money list, withdrew.
