Yan Liu, Ashleigh Buhai Share Lead At 63 In The Lpga Tour's Jm Eagle La Championship

Yan Liu birdied the final three holes in chilly conditions Thursday afternoon for a 9-under 63 and a share of the first-round lead with Ashleigh Buhai in the LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship.

With the temperature barely reaching 60 degrees 15.5 degrees Celsius at El Caballero Country Club, Liu overcame an opening bogey to play the next nine in 7 under - making a 6-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th and five birdies.

"I got bogey and next hole I tell myself, 'You have to be calm and you have to be confident and be brave. You can do it,'" Liu said. "Yeah, just talk with myself."

After straight five pars, she birdied the par-5 seventh and made short birdie putts on Nos. 8 and 9. Seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, the 27-year-old Chinese player had the lowest score of her tour career.

"Everything perfect, but not my driver," Liu said. "But just little things. Right now my driver is a little too much fade, but I will figure out tomorrow."