Johnson Shoots 67 in Wind to Take Lead at Sarasota

Chris Johnson played the weather conditions as well as she played the course Thursday, shooting a five-under-par 67 to take a one-stroke lead in the first round of the LPGA’s $200,000 Sarasota tournament.

The start of the round was delayed an hour by heavy rain, and six players were left on the course when play was halted by darkness. Both threesomes had only one more hole to play and were scheduled to complete their rounds this morning before the 144 players begin the second round.

None of the six was in a position to take the lead.

Johnson, a seven-year pro seeking her fourth LPGA victory, had six birdies and only one bogey en route to a 33-34--67 over the Bent Tree Country Club course.

“The conditions didn’t bother me today,” Johnson said. “I was glad it was windy. I’m able to hit punch shots, and I don’t know if I would have done as well without the wind.”

At 34-34 was Cathy Morse, winner of one tournament in her eight years on tour. She had a round of five birdies and one bogey.

Another shot back at 34-35--69 was Patti Rizzo, a two-time winner now in her sixth year on the tour. She missed a chance for a tie for second when she three-putted the 9th hole--her last hole of the day--from 13 feet for a bogey, missing a 2-foot comebacker.

Pat Bradley, the winningest player on the tour last year was at even par-72, while Nancy Lopez, who needs just one more victory to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame was one-over-par 73.

Kathy Baker, one of 12 players at par 72, carded an ace on the par-3 7th hole.