LPGA Drive On 2022 R1
February 03-05
Crown Colony G&CC, Fort Myers, Florida
$1,500,000
Round 2, Round 3

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and American Marina Alex lead after the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship after carding 7-under 65s. Hataoka, who started on the back nine, made eight birdies, with seven of them coming after her lone bogey on the 13th.

LPGA Drive On 2022 R1

“Not the best bogey I could have, but it wasn't something technical. It was more of a misjudge on my club, reading with the wind. I was able to handle that,” said Hataoka. “I was putting really well. I was able to read the green and green speed and with the routine that helped me a lot, which resulted in a good stroke today.”

LPGA Drive On 2022 R1

Hataoka has a strong track record at 54-hole events, she won four of her titles in them, including the last two at the 2021 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and the Dana Open, when the fourth round was washed out due to rain.

“Three-day tournaments, yes, I have a good image of it, so hopefully I can play two more good rounds.”

LPGA Drive On 2022 R1

Alex posted her first bogey-free round since the 2021 Pelican Women’s Championship. Her 65 is her lowest 18-hole score since a 64 in the third round of the 2019 Indy Women in Tech Championship, where she finished third.

“I really putted nicely today. The first couple holes were kind of tough just getting used to the wind and figuring out, you know, how far everything was playing,” said Alex. “I made a really good save on -- I want to say it was No.4 I think it was, long par-4. I really miss-clubbed myself off the tee and was way back and then had like a 3-wood in. Made a good up and down to keep some good momentum going.”

She recorded five-straight birdies from the 9th to the 13th, which ties her longest consecutive birdie streak, last made during the first round of her win at the 2018 Cambia Portland Classic. The site of her maiden win on Tour was also the last time Alex held the lead/co-lead after 18-holes.

“54-hole events are always kind of important to have a good start because you have that one less day to possibly make up ground if you're a little bit behind. So I've had some good success in 54-hole events in the past. I'm excited for the next two days, and just see what happens. I played a really great round of golf today, so I have to anticipate there might be a little bit of some up and downs along the way. But that doesn't mean I can't have a great week out here.”

Alex posted her first bogey-free round since the 2021 Pelican Women’s Championship. Her 65 is her lowest 18-hole score since a 64 in the third round of the 2019 Indy Women in Tech Championship, where she finished third.

Sweden's Linnea Johansson shot her career-best score to sit in a tie for third at 6-under alongside Ireland's Leona Maguire and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit .

Six players sit in a tie for sixth at 5-under, including England's Bronte Law and Charley Hull.

American Jessica Korda withdrew after six holes during the first round, and later revealed on social media that it was due to a sprain in her ribs with intercoastal muscle strain.