Webb’s First-Round 66 Leads LPGA in France

Karrie Webb, the money leader in women’s golf and winner of six LPGA tournaments this year, fired a six-under-par 66 Wednesday for the first-round lead in the $1.8-million Evian Masters.

Webb’s performance came after a bad showing last week at the Rochester International, where the Australian finished out of the top six for the first time this year.

In sunny, windless conditions, Webb had seven birdies with only one putt over 10 feet at the 6,091-yard Royal Evian course. Her only bogey came on the par-three 17th when she failed to get up and down from the left trap. Then her birdie putt at the 18th hit, jumped and stayed out.

“But I’m happy with six under,” Webb said. “I played here twice before and local knowledge helps.”

Grace Park, leading the rookie points race after her first U.S. tour win, was in second with a 67. “I made no mistakes and struck the ball well,” Park said. “My first win has made a huge difference to my confidence.”