Yeo Slogs Her Way to Early Lead

Annika Sorenstam didn’t need a practice round to recognize a swamped golf course.

Seeking her third win in a row on tour, Sorenstam shot a one-under-par 71 Friday and was three shots behind leader Minny Yeo after the opening round of the rain-delayed Giant Eagle LPGA Classic.

“It was muddy. I mean, it’s soaking wet,” Sorenstam said. “If you look at the caddies’ and the players’ feet -- it’s unbelievable how muddy it is.”

Yeo, with a 68, was one shot better than a group of eight tied for second. Sorenstam was tied for 19th.

The field of 144 was allowed to lift, clean and place, but it was still hard to avoid the mini-ponds that cropped up in low-lying areas. Pat Hurst, who shot a 69, said she was forced to chip the ball twice because she couldn’t putt through standing water on the green.

Sorenstam managed four birdies and three bogeys while slogging around the course. A large gallery followed her every swing.

Yeo has never finished in the top 30 in four years on the LPGA Tour. This season she has missed the cut in eight tournaments and withdrew after the opening round last week.