Wells Fargo Championship: Phil Mickelson takes the lead

Phil Mickelson clinched the lead at the Wells Fargo PGA Championship Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina, finishing the first round with a score of 64 (-7).

The 50-year-old American scored eight birds and one boguey, which put him twice ahead of his closest competitors.

South Korean Kyung Hoon Lee and American Keegan Bradley are second after handing out cards from 66 (-5).

Americans Peter Malnatti, Luke List, Gary Woodland, Keith Mitchell and Kyle Stanley, as well as Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, share fourth and are three strikes behind Mikkelson.

On the Habs side, Corey Konners scored the best result of the day with two hits at 71. However, Ontario had a rollercoaster ride, alternating between five birds and three ghosts. He is currently in 18th place, five hits behind the leader.

For his part, David Hearn is 53rd after playing on a par. Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor and Adam Haddwin are at 111, 10 hits from the summit. Finally, Roger Sloan and Michael Djeljic took the 138th and 145th places, respectively.

LPGA: Thai women shine at home

Three local golfers starred in the first round of the Honda LPGA Championship in Chonburi, Thailand, and sat at the top of the standings.

Thai Patti Tavatanakit and Athaya Thetikul led, both with 64 points (-8). Tavatanakit made no fewer than nine birds and made an insect. For his part, Theicool equipped two eagles and five birds, and registered a ghost.

For her part, Ariya Jutanugarn finished third, along with Danish Nanna Koerstz Madsen, after wrapping up the inaugural round with a score of 65 (-7). It came very close to catching up with its fellow countrymen in the lead, but a mistake in the 18th Banner prevented it from doing so.

New Zealander Lydia Coe, German Caroline Mason and Australian Hannah Green came in fifth after two shots from the header.

Lone Canadian Alina Sharp cut the par to finish with a 71 (-1) card. Ontario had six birds, but its three chariots and double wagons in the eighth hole laid them down. She is 33, seven hits behind the leaders.