Back in Form: Davies LPGA Leader

It’s not easy being No. 24 when you’re used to being No. 1. When you’re as competitive as Laura Davies, it’s completely unacceptable.

Trying to salvage what is left of a miserable year, Davies found some short game to go with her long drives Thursday for a six-under-par 66 that gave her the lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour Championship.

It was unfamiliar territory for Davies, who is winless in 20 months on the LPGA Tour and had not had a first-round lead all year.

“When you’ve had three years being No. 1, it’s very, very difficult to be No. 24,” Davies said. “I don’t want to make any of the other players feel bad, but if they’re happy with 24th on the money list, fine. I’m not happy with it.”

Davies chipped in for an eagle on the fifth hole and sank a 10-footer for a second eagle on the 15th as she dominated the par-fives on the Desert Inn Country Club course for a two-shot lead over Juli Inkster.

It was almost enough to bring back thoughts of the time when she dominated women’s golf with a unique combination of length and touch around the greens.

“If this had been three years ago, I’d probably be confident and think I’m going to win,” Davies said. “Now, I’m almost scared to be leading after day one.”

Brandie Burton and Dottie Pepper were at 69.

The tournament features the top 30 money winners.