By: Max Bechtoldt
Traditionally, a win at the Meijer LPGA Classic requires four low scores. In four of its last five playings, the win was at -20 or better. Alison Lee got off to a strong start today, shooting a -7 65 to take a two-shot lead.
The defining moment of her round was an eagle on 17, which broke her out of a tie with three other players, Ssu-Chia Cheng, Lauren Hartlage and Daniela Darquea.
Lee only missed one fairway in her round and was perfect on sand saves, 3/3. On the greens, she thrived, only needing 24 strokes with the flat stick.
A large contingent of proven players on tour are in contention, with Atthaya Thitikul, Carlota Ciganda, Narin An, Jennifer Kupcho and Gabi Ruffels all sitting three strokes back at -4.
Lee is still looking for her first-career LPGA Tour win, a win that would likely get her even more in play for the 2024 Olympics. Lee currently sits at No. 18 in the world rankings, and with Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu locked into the top two spots, she would need to get into the top 15.
Many of the best in the world, including Korda, Brooke Henderson and Celine Boutier still have yet to tee off, but it’s hard to imagine any of them scoring much better than Lee.
