GOLF / LPGA : First Round Definitely Not Par for the Course for Monaghan

Kris Monaghan shattered the White Eagle Golf Club course record Thursday with a six-under-par 66, grabbing a one-stroke lead in the opening round of the $475,000 Chicago Challenge LPGA tournament.

In all, 62 players in a field of 136 bettered 72, a far cry from last year when only four players were able to shoot under par in the opening round.

Another 21 players, including No. 10 money earner Michelle McGann, were even par after 18 holes.

Because of wind and rain a year ago, players averaged 75.65 strokes. There was more bad weather on Thursday, with rain causing a delay of 1 hour, 52 minutes.

The course record of 69 was set in the 1992 event by Judy Pavon.

Monaghan, who had six birdies in breaking the record of 69 set last year by Judi Pavon, had a one-stroke lead over Julie Larsen, Michelle Mackall, Betsy King, Gail Graham, Cindy Schreyer and Allison Finney.