Tubert shoots 74 in first round

ROGERS, Ark. – University of Arkansas junior-to-be Emily Tubert wrapped up her first round of play at the Walmart NW Arkansas LPGA Championship at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Ark., Friday.

Tubert, a Burbank, Calif., native, is playing on her second consecutive sponsor’s exemption and teed off just after 1 p.m. for the first round.

She opened play on the first tee and bogeyed the first hole, counting a five on the par four.  Tubert would bogey the fourth and seventh holes as well turning at plus-three with a 39 on the front side.

Tubert got one back with a birdie on the 10th hole but a bogey on the 13th moved her back to plus three for the round.  She finished with five consecutive par holes shooting a three-over 74 in the first round of play.

Tubert hit six of 13 fairways, averaging about 297.50 on her drives.

Former Razorback Stacy Lewis is one of the favorites in this week’s event.  Lewis, the second-ranked player and top-ranked American, opened with a one-under 70 on the par 71 course.  The Woodlands, Texas, native hit 10 of 13 fairways, 11 greens in regulation and had 27 putts in the round.

First round action has not concluded so places for Tubert and Lewis are not yet final.  Both players have morning tee times Saturday and hope to make the cut to Sunday’s final.