Sarah Schmelzel picked up six strokes in the last five holes to seize a share of the first-round lead in the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship on Friday alongside Minami Katsu.

Schmelzel surged home at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas, with birdies at 14, 15, 16 and 17 and an eagle at the par-five 18th on the way to an eight-under par total of 63.

The American, who like Katsu is chasing a first LPGA title, said she “wasn’t doing anything too poorly” on the front nine, and she was able to strike late on holes that she expected to offer birdie chances.

“I told my caddie walking to the green on 14, I need to start making some birdies or else I’m going to get lapped out here,” she said. “It was just a few good wedge shots and then I made a longer one on 17. Then I just hit it really cl

See Full Page