BATTLE CREEK – Despite windy conditions, some low scores highlighted Day 1 of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship at Battle Creek Country Club on Friday.
Facing gusty conditions, Anita Uwadia shot a 5-under 67, which was the best opening round she has put together this season, beating her previous best by three shots and giving her a one-shot lead over Amari Avery and Yue Zhang heading into round two.
Uwadia, who teed off in the more challenging afternoon wave, battled against the full force of the wind that swept through Battle Creek Country Club during the first round of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship. Despite these adverse conditions, the 26-year-old England native remained undeterred, delivering a bogey-free front nine with three birdies. The back nine started with a slight stumble, marked by her only bogey of the day on No. 11. Yet, Uwadia quickly regained momentum, sinking three more birdies in her last six holes to secure the solo lead after 18 holes of play.
“To be honest, I didn’t hit it good today. I just made every putt that I had to make and, you know, took advantage,” explained Uwadia. “To be fair, I’ve been going through swing changes through the season, which is really tough. Even yesterday, I remember playing the pro-am and I played so bad. So, it’s one of those things where when you’re going through so many changes, you’re just trying to stay present and you’re just trying to have faith that it’s going to happen for you.”
Zhang and Avery both carded a 4-under 68 in their first rounds.
Daniela Iacobelli and Gabby Lemieuxboth carded a 2-under 70 to finish inside the top five in round one.
Battle Creek’s Lauren Reed, a graduate of Harper Creek, withdrew after the first round. Reed was in the field on a sponsor’s exemption.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Windy conditions highlight opening round of FireKeepers Championships
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