Bowie reaps 65 at State Farm

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Heather Bowie chipped in for an eagle and had a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the LPGA State Farm Classic.

Bowie, who missed the U.S. Solheim Cup team after finishing 12th in the standings, was at even par when she holed a 14-foot wedge shot on the fourth hole at the Rail Golf Club. She followed with five birdies in her bid for her second career title.

Sherri Turner, who missed most of last year with a shoulder injury, birdied five of her first six holes and was tied for the lead before hitting a 7-iron into the water and making a bogey at the par-3 16th. The 48-year-old Turner finished a stroke back at 6 under along with Natalie Gulbis and Tina Barrett.

Defending champion Cristie Kerr, who won with a tournament-record 24 under last year, opened with a 4-under 68. Kerr won her sixth career title last week at the Wendy’s Championship for Children, locking up the top spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup team that will face the Europeans on Sept. 9-11 in Carmel, Ind.

Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., named to the Solheim Cup by U.S. captain Nancy Lopez, shot an opening-round 71. Tracy Hanson of Rathdrum, Idaho, fired a 74.