Hot back nine lifts Summerhays to early lead at Patriot All-America Women's Invite

Grace Summerhays is no stranger to the Wigwam Golf Club outside of Phoenix.

The Arizona State sophomore made herself feel right at home on Thursday, carding an opening round of 7-under 63 on Wigwam's Blue Course to grab a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Patriot All-America Women's Invitational.

After she made the turn at 1-under, Summerhays was looking for something to ignite her round. She didn't have to wait long, as she eagled the par-5 10th hole and followed up with birdies on 11 and 12 to move to 5-under on her round. She added two more birdies on holes 15 and 18 to complete a four-hole stretch which saw her go 5-under for an inward nine of 29 and a round of 63.

🎧🔊: LISTEN: R1 Leader Grace Summerhays after shooting 63 at The Wigwam 🔱⬆️ pic.twitter.com/NG8m1KWQaM

— Patriot All-America Invitational Golf Tournament (@ThePatriotAllAm) December 30, 2022

Brianna Chacon nearly kept pace with Summerhays and finds herself just two off the pace after an opening round of 65. The Oregon standout also finished with a flurry with birdies on 14 and 17 and an eagle on the last.

Tillie Claggett of Vanderbilt is three back after shooting a 66, while Emma McMyler of Xavier, Catherine Rao of Princeton and Antonia Malate of San Jose State are four off the lead after turning in rounds of 67.