Suncoast Series: Ginger Howard co-leads after first round

Ginger Howard practices following a round at last year's LPGA Tour Q-School stage at Venice's Plantation Golf & Country Club. Jason Dill/jdill@bradenton.com

Bradenton's Ginger Howard is off to a fast start in this week's Suncoast Ladies Series event at the Grande Pines Resort in Orlando.

Howard fired a 3-under par 69 to share the first-round lead with Sweden's Maria Hjorth after Tuesday's action.

The pair are two shots clear of the next group of players.

Bradenton resident Rachel Connor is also in the field. She's tied for 14th place after a 76.

The 54-hole tournament continues Wednesday and concludes Thursday.