Trying to keep streak alive, Lexi Thompson shoots 65 to lead LPGA finale

Just as she did two years ago, Lexi Thompson is trying to keep her winning streak alive at the CME Group Tour Championship.

Thompson has won at least once in each of the last seven seasons on the LPGA Tour but has yet to do so in 2020. This week’s event is the season finale.

Thompson opened the ender with a 7-under 65 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, to grab the 18-hole lead. She is one shot clear of Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Defending champion Sei Young Kim is in a group at 5 under, including Meghan Kang and Caroline Masson.

Full-field scores from the PNC Championship

This week’s winner will receive a Tour-high $1.1 million prize.

Thompson entered the final event in 2018 winless on the season, but prevailed with her brother, Curtis, as her caddie. He is back on her bag again this week.

Thompson was 5 under through seven holes in the opening round and finished with eight birdies and one bogey. Madsen went bogey-free for her 66.

This is the 18th event for the LPGA Tour this year, which included a 5 1/2-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Thompson’s 12th start, with her best finish thus far a fourth-place showing at the ANA Inspiration in September. She missed the cut at last week’s U.S. Women’s Open.