Associated Press
Thursday, June 8

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Rookie Jeong Jang, playing in only her eighth LPGA tournament, opened with a 2-under 70 Thursday and was tied with Wendy Doolan for the lead at the Rochester International.

"I'm not excited at all because I've been in this kind of situation many times," said the 19-year-old Jang, who joined the U.S. tour as one of the leading amateur golfers in South Korea.

"If I get excited, next day I don't play very well, so I try to subdue my excitement," she added through a translator.

Nine players were one shot off the lead, notably Se Ri Pak and LPGA veteran Dale Eggeling. LaRee Pearl Sugg, making a comeback on the professional circuit this year after a three-year absence, had a double-bogey 6 on No. 18 and dropped to a 71.

Jang, a native of Taejeon who lives in Los Angeles, finished in a 13th-place tie at the Electrolux USA Championship in May for her best finish this year. She was in the top 50 in three other events and missed the cut three times.

She tied for 37th at the LPGA final qualifying tournament. Her nonexempt status means she must either qualify for tournaments or join a waiting list to fill a vacant slot.

Jang chipped in from 20 yards off the 16th green for one of six birdies at the tree-lined Locust Hill course but also had four bogeys.

Doolan, 33, who is seeking her first win after four years on the U.S. tour, said swirling winds made play very tricky at times.

"Things have been coming together," said the soft-spoken Doolan, who has accumulated three top-10 finishes in three months, including a career-best third-place tie at the Electrolux USA Championship.

A rainstorm slowed play in late afternoon while a batch of players vying for the lead were still on the back nine of an already soggy course.

Defending champion Karrie Webb, already a four-time winner this year, shot a 2-over 74. A year ago, after opening with a season-high 75, she squeaked past Cindy McCurdy on the final day with three birdies on the last three holes.

Grace Park, who earned her first LPGA title at the Kathy Ireland Greens.com LPGA Classic last week, tumbled back to reality with an 82. Naree Song Wongluekiet, a 14-year-old from Thailand, shot a 75, but her twin sister, Aree, faded with an 80.

Michelle McGann got to 3-under, then dropped six shots on the back nine and finished at 75.