3 Golfers Share Lead at 68; Lopez Has 71 in Return

Robin Walton and Amy Benz, both winless on the LPGA Tour, and Kathy Postlewait, trying for her first victory since 1983, each shot a four-under-par 68 Thursday to share the first-round lead in the $230,000 Henredon golf tournament.

Kris Monaghan had three straight birdies at the start of her round en route to a 69. Matching Monaghan was JoAnne Carner, who had birdies on three of her last five holes.

Defending champion Nancy Lopez shot a 71 in her first tournament since taking seven months off for the birth of her second daughter.

Lopez, worried earlier in the week that her putting might not be sharp, was never in serious trouble.

“I’m real happy with the way I played,” Lopez said. “I hope that I can just stand on my feet the next three days. I feel like I can get out there and hit the shots.”

Lopez walked 18 holes for the first time since December. When she practiced for her return, she used a golf cart.