Howe Shoots 68, Leads LPGA Tourney by One

Lauren Howe, who was once told to give up golf because of an injured wrist, shot a four-under-par 68 Thursday to become the surprise first-round leader of the $200,000 LPGA Deer Creek tournament.

Howe used a new putting stroke while compiling a 32-36 that gave her a one-stroke lead over Sylvia Bertolaccini, Mina Rodriguez-Hardin, JoAnne Carner and Shelley Hamlin.

Howe was told in 1979 that she would have to give up golf after a wrist injury that required surgery, but she returned to the tour after three years. She had to curtail her schedule last year when an intestinal illness made her miss 11 tournaments.

“I’m thrilled with this round even though I hit some funny shots,” she said.