Wie shoots first round of 6-under 65, takes early lead at Manulife Classic

WATERLOO, Ont. – Michelle Wie shot an opening round of 6-under 65 to take the clubhouse lead at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

Wie birdied three of the last four holes at Grey Silo Golf Course, including an eight-foot downhill putt on No. 18, to lead the tight pack.

The Hawaiian had seven birdies on the day, despite some whipping wind, with her only blemish coming with a bogey on No. 9.

China’s Shanshan Feng was right behind Wie at 5-under 66, while So Yeon Ryu, Marina Alex, Alejandra Llaneza and Jacqui Concolino were all tied for third at 3-under 68.

Twelve players were tied for seventh place at 2-under, including Inbee Park, the No. 2 player in the Rolex rankings.

Sixteen-year-old Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., was the early leader among Canadians at 1-under 70. Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., was at even par 70, while Charlottetown’s Lorie Kane and Erica Rivard of Tecumseh, Ont., were at 2-over 73.

Toronto’s Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont., shot 4-over 75.