Accent Is on First Round

The first round of the Hawaiian Ladies Open had a distinctly European feel as Sophie Gustafson of Sweden and Joanne Morley of Britain shot seven-under-par 65s Thursday.

They tied the tournament record for low round that was shared by 1998 champion Wendy Ward and two others. It was the best score ever for both golfers.

Trailing by one stroke was Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, who won this event in 1997, and Mi Hyun Kim of South Korea, who bogeyed her last hole to drop out of a share of the lead.

Seven golfers, including Betsy King, were at 67. Two former Hawaiian Ladies Open winners, Barb Thomas-Whitehead (1995) and Sherri Turner (1989), were in a group at 68.

Gustafson, whose best finish as a pro was second in the 1998 Women’s British Open, said her great round has her on the road to her first victory.

“It gives me confidence because I know my game is here this week,” she said, especially since she has had problems transferring her success in Europe to the LPGA Tour.