The First Lady Starts Out T16 (-2)

Stacy Lewis is #1 within the international now, however her first event at that function has her a bit farther lower back. But she's now not the simplest participant who is not in which she expected to be this week.

As you probably know by means of now, Yani Tseng -- the defending Kia Classic winner -- missed her pro-am time and, similar to with the PGA Tour gamers, wasn't allowed to play in the match right. As I apprehend, she was a piece underneath the climate Tuesday night time and overslept Wednesday morning. She apologized to the sponsor and fanatics, however I'm guessing she is going to lose extra floor in the Rolex Rankings this week.

Natalie Gulbis additionally WD'ed due to fatigue. You might not recognize that Nats neglected the Founders Cup remaining week because she caught malaria while in Asia. (And we notion the 90mph automobile wreck with Paula Creamer, Ai Miyazato, and Suzann Pettersen changed into bad!) She's doing all right, she's just not returned as much as full strength yet.

For those of you interested, GC said Natalie's going to stop by the tournament and spend some time with the announcing crew. That's at 6:30pm ET today if you want to see it.

The chief after the first round is Jane Park (-6), who is been suffering with a number of problems given that she received the 2004 Women's Amateur and grew to become seasoned in 2007. Lower returned issues, tendenitis, or even a few family troubles have made it difficult for her to get something reminiscent of constant play going. It'll be thrilling to peer how she does with the lead this week.

In addition, the leaderboard's pretty nicely packed. It's got absolutely everyone from players who've struggled this yr -- like Caroline Hedwall and Amanda Blumenhurst -- to perennial contenders like Karrie Webb. And Paula Creamer's sitting at -three, off to another top start once you have banged up in that smash.

I'm thinking the player to observe this week is probably Jessica Korda (-four). She's been gambling properly this yr and has even been improving a bit from week to week.

But given the uncertainty of March Madness (the college basketball playoffs, for the ones of you who don't live inside the US or comply with the game) and the ensuing range of upsets we normally see in those tournaments, it's hard to say some thing for certain.

Except that Yani Tseng may not win it this week, that is. Nobody ever gives any like to the previous First Lady, do they?

The photo got here from Park's bio web page at LPGA.Com.