Intro:

Sandra Gal made six straight birdies on her back nine on Thursday (7th August) to take the first-round lead in the Meijer LPGA Classic on a day when Michelle Wie withdrew because of a wrist injury.

Script:

The Meijer LPGA Classic teed off on Thursday at the Blythefield Country Club in Michigan.

Sandra Gal birdied Nos. 3-8 on her way to a six-under 65 that set the bar for the day.

Michelle Wie struggled before pulling out midway through her round. Wie, who has a history of wrist troubles, was five over par after nine holes and in immense pain so she decided to withdraw from the tournament.

Azahara Munoz had just one bogey on a card of 68 that left her in a group of six golfers three strokes behind Gal.

Former world No. 1 Inbee Park is just one stroke back. Park sank six birdies and had just one bogey for an opening round of 66.

Ilhee Lee had a chance to tie Park at five under with her eagle attempt on the par-five eighth. Unfortunately she two-putted for birdie before bogeying the ninth to close at three under.

Carolina Masson made her eagle attempt on eight. The putt put the German at two under on the day and that was where she would finish, signing a solid 69.

Marina Alex was having a miserable day through 17 holes, but she ended on a high note. After going birdie-less with seven bogeys, Alex's final shot of the day was a pitch-and-run on 18 that rolled right into the cup for a birdie.