By: Max Bechtoldt
The morning wave at the Mizuho Americas Open is done and Gabi Ruffels and Andrea Lee had the lowest score at -4.
The morning wave played slightly tougher today in Jersey City at Liberty National, an unusual case as usually the mornings are easier. The rookie of the year frontrunner Gabi Ruffels took control though.
Ruffels had four birdies with no bogeys, impressive on one of the most difficult courses on the LPGA Tour. She hit 12 fairways and 13 greens on the round, with only 27 putts.
Lee, a 2023 Solheim Cup member who is a hopeful for the 2024 team also had a great, if not flawless, round. She had six birdies with two bogeys to shoot 68. Lee hit 11 fairways and greens, while hitting only 25 putts.
While Lee and Ruffels had terrific first rounds, there are players going low in the afternoon, including alternates Mao Saigo and So Mi Lee.
