Charley Hull Battles Illness to Share Second in Arkansas

Yu Liu of China shot a 6-under 65 to take a one-stroke first-round lead at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, an LPGA stop celebrating its 20th year at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas. Charley Hull matched that score to sit one back in a tie for second with Celine Boutier.

How did Charley Hull play after the Solheim Cup?

Hull said she battled tonsillitis during last week's Solheim Cup and was bed-bound once she returned home to England, leaving her with little preparation time in Arkansas. She considered withdrawing before deciding instead to simply lower her expectations. Her 65 leaves her one shot back of Liu.

Who else is in contention after round one?

Lottie Woad, Hull's Solheim Cup teammate, opened with a 66. Caley McGinty matched that number to share fourth place on her 26th birthday, a lift after earning just $15,503 across six starts this season. "I've had the best day ever so far," McGinty said. Razorback favorite Gaby Lopez also carded a 66, while Arkansas standout Maria Jose Marin shot a 74.

Several Solheim Cup players in the field held a team dinner earlier in the week to reconnect after Europe's win at Bernardus. Hull did not attend but said her partner did.