Alabama ’s Virginia Grimes Holds Early Lead at Love Cove Club

Hilton Head, S.C. – Past champion Virginia Grimes, 39, of Montgomery, Ala., shot a 1-under-par 70 to take the early lead during the first round of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur at Long Cove Club, in her first nationally competitive round since having back surgery a year ago.

Grimes, who won the 1998 Women’s Mid-Amateur, leads by a stroke over defending champion Kathy Hartwiger, 37, of Birmingham, Ala., and Tracy Welch, 32, of Boston, Mass., who finished at even-par 71.

“I’m so happy to be out here playing,” said Grimes, the women’s golf coach at the University of Auburn from 1990-95. “A year ago I couldn’t have cared less about playing golf. I’m felling better and stronger every day.”

In contrast to Grimes’ roller-coaster nines of 37-33, Hartwiger made it look easy with 14 pars.

“My whole philosophy is, ‘I’ve already won.’ It’s taken a lot of the pressure off. My name will be on that trophy forever. I’d like to win, but who knows.”

Welch, the first cousin of PGA Tour pro Brad Faxon , putted better than anyone, having seven one-putts.

“ Brad gave me a putting tip two weeks ago and it helped, said Welch with a big smile. “He basically told me to relax. He played a round of golf with me and told me my putting was fine.”

Marilyn Hardy , 42, of Houston , Texas , used a hole-in-one on the 13 th hole to help her finish in a group of three at 72. Three others were right behind with 73s.

Past champions Ellen Port , 42, of St. Louis , Mo. , and Carol Semple Thompson , 54, of Sewickley , Pa. , were comfortably in a group of four at 74.

Play continues Saturday afternoon with the last half of the field finishing. Sunday is the second round of stroke play before the field is trimmed to the low 64 scorers who will advance to match play. The Championship runs through Thursday.

The Women’s Mid-Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.