Ayaka Furue holds first-round lead at LPGA season opener

Jul 8, 2023; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Ayaka Furue tees off on the second hole during the third round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Link. / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Ayaka Furue of Japan birdied her final two holes for a bogey-free, 7-under-par 65 to take the first-round lead at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on Thursday in Orlando, Fla.

Furue secured a two-shot edge over Sweden's Maja Stark and Mexico's Gaby Lopez (5-under 67) in the first event of the LPGA season. Ally Ewing and Danielle Kang are tied for fourth after shooting 4-under 68 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.