Pettersen starts out hot at the Kraft Nabisco

Suzann Pettersen opened with a 5-under 67 to take the first-round lead in the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first major of the year on the LPGA Tour.

Playing one month after withdrawing from an event in Australia because of a hip injury, the Norwegian took advantage of calm morning conditions on the 6,702-yard layout at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. After carding two birdies and the rest pars to make the turn at 2-under 34, Pettersen tacked on another three birdies on the back nine for a 33.

She leads reigning No. 1-ranked Lorena Ochoa by a stroke. Karrie Webb is among several players (with some still completing their rounds as this story was posted) in a tie for third at 69. Defending champion Brittany Lincicome started off with a 2-under 70. Michelle Wie was another stroke back at 71 in a tie for 16th.

One of the stories of the tournament is the disqualification of three players before Thursday's opening round began. The group included seven-time LPGA Tour winner Helen Alfredsson, three-time winner Maria Hjorth and third-year player Shanshan Feng. Each was DQed for missing Wednesday's pro-am.

Feng, who showed up late for her tee time, was immediately removed. Alfredsson and Hjorth were alternates for the pro-am and were next in line to participate after Patty Sheehan withdrew. Tour officials attempted to reach Alfredsson, the 1993 Kraft Nabisco champion, and Hjorth, but were unsuccessful and both were disqualified. Michelle Redman eventually filled the available pro-am spot.

All three appealed the decision, but the LPGA Tour said the disqualifications would not be overturned. "It's something that has been in place for a long time," said Tour spokesman David Higdon. "These players all know the policy."

Amy Alcott, another former Kraft Nabisco champion, withdrew from her 8:30 a.m. pro-am tee time, as well as from the tournament. Seon Hwa Lee replaced her in the pro-am event, according to Golfweek.

After her round, Pettersen met with reporters and discussed her day.

MODERATOR: We are here with Suzann Pettersen a bogey-free round. 5-under par today, leader in the clubhouse. Can you take us through your round a little bit?

SUZANN PETTERSEN: It was a very good solid round of golf. I could not ask for a better start. A very good warmup today. I felt better than I did yesterday, and had a few good bounces out there. But obviously feeling very good with my driver, which helps around this place, and making a few putts, very stress-free golf today.

Courtesy of ASAP Sports

Cheers,