Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Augusta James, of Bath, Ont., fired a 4-under par 68 to share first place with Allie White of Lancaster, Oh., and France’s Celine Boutier after round one of the Symetra Tour’s Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women’s Health Classic.
Anne-Catherine Tanguay, James’ Young Pro Squad teammate, and Quebec City native is tied for fourth with Allison Emrey of Charlotte, N.C., and Kim Welch of Sacramento, Calif., after posting a 3-under par 69.
James, who currently sits 22nd in the Volvik Race for the Card standings, is looking to improve on her 12th place finish on the Symetra Tour money list in 2016.
She chipped in for eagle on the 6th hole and made birdie on eight before ending with a par on nine.
“I was around the hole all day from 50 yards and in and chipped in from the landing spot at 38 yards,” explained James. “It was obviously big in the end number.”
From 38 yards, @augusta_james (-4) chipping in for eagle.
Shares lead at @selfregclassic in @GreenwoodCitySC!https://t.co/fZXpoViOCq pic.twitter.com/1icLBXZa5A
— Symetra Tour (@ROAD2LPGA) May 11, 2017
James’ 68 is her lowest round of the season and her first sub-par round since March 30 at the Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club.
“I’m very happy, it was great to put together a good round even with the wind picking up in some spots,” said James. “There wasn’t a whole lot that went wrong today.”
Tanguay, is having a very strong year with four top-10s in five starts, including a tie for second at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.
She had four birdies on Thursday, including a tap-in on 18 after reaching the par-5 in two.
Finish w/ a birdie ✅@ACTanguay on in two on par-5 18th and closes at -3 (T3) at @selfregclassic!
Scores –> https://t.co/fZXpoViOCq pic.twitter.com/2tC3Ujn6TB
— Symetra Tour (@ROAD2LPGA) May 11, 2017
Both James and Tanguay had help prepping for the Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women’s Health Classic as Team Canada’s Head Women’s Coach Tristan Mullally was in town early in the week.
“Tristan is really helpful in general and it is very helpful to have him during a tournament week,” said James. “His expertise takes us all to this level so we have him to thank.”
Fellow Canadian, Elizabeth Tong, from Thornhill, Ont. was two under par after 16 holes, but a double bogey on 17 has her in a tie for 19th after an even par 70.
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