Phatlum takes early lead at Safeway

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead over Lexi Thompson after the first round of the Safeway Classic.

The 23-year-old Phatlum, winless in five seasons on the LPGA Tour, had 10 birdies and two bogeys in her afternoon round at rain-softened Columbia Edgewater. The start of play was delayed an hour, and players were allowed to lift, clean and place their golf balls because of the wet conditions.

"Putting was so good," said Phatlum, the winner of the unofficial LPGA Brazil Cup in 2012. "I changed putter for this week and feeling very good. And I made many birdies today, like 10 birdies today. ... I just try my best and I'm feeling very good with the course. I like the course, very nice."

The 18-year-old Thompson eagled the par-5 seventh hole -- her 16th hole of the day -- and had five birdies in her bogey-free morning round. She won the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic for her lone tour title.

"I would say just my iron shots into the

Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/phatlum_takes_early_lead_at_safeway/14412512

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