Lee rides birdie streak to Safeway Classic lead

Rookie Jee Young Lee birdied seven straight holes to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Safeway Classic on Friday.

The 20-year-old from Seoul, South Korea, had an 8-under 64 on the 6,327-yard, par-72 course at Columbia-Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Ore.

Christina Kim, a gregarious 22-year-old from Northern California, finished the sunny and warm first day at 6 under. After her round, she hugged everyone in her group, even her standard-bearer.

Jenna Daniels, who started from the 10th tee, went on a tear with nine birdies and was tied for the lead late in the day. But the six-year tour veteran double-bogeyed the final hole and finished 6-under.

South Korean Mi Hyun Kim was at 5 under.

Champions Tour

Massy Kuramoto needed only 23 putts to shoot a 9-under 63 and grab a two-shot lead in the opening round the Boeing Greater Seattle Classic in Snoqualmie, Wash.

Kuramoto had 34 career victories in Japan but is in his first season on the Champions Tour.

David Edwards was second after shooting 7 under.

Andy Bean, Keith Fergus, Mike San Filippo and Australian Graham Marsh were tied at 6 under.

-- The Associated Press