Sheehan Shoots 68 for a 2-Shot Lead in Sarasota Event

Defending champion Patty Sheehan shot a four-under-par 68 Thursday to take a two-shot lead after one round of the $200,000 LPGA Sarasota golf tournament.

Sheehan is seeking to become the first two-time winner of the 11-year-old tournament, which is played on the Bent Tree Country Club course.

At 70 was Stephanie Farwig, while six players were tied at 71--Lynn Adams, 1982 winner Beth Daniel, Allison Finney, Rosie Jones, Patti Rizzo and Barb Thomas.

Scores were higher than usual as the field of 144 battled high winds that most players said forced them to go three clubs higher in club selection. The late finishers also had to contend with a light rain.

“Club selection was fun, sort of,” said Sheehan, who had five birdies and one bogey.