Paula Creamer fares well in opening round; other area players struggle

Paula Creamer at last year's CVS/pharmacy LPGA Challenge. Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

Paula Creamer leads Manatee County players at the Avnet LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala. after carding a first-round 71 to tie for 16th.

The Pendleton School at IMG Academies alum is four shots behind tournament co-leaders Grace Park and Song-Hee Kim.

Here's how the other three players with area connections fared on Thursday:

Jessica Korda continues to struggle in her rookie season, posting a 3-over par 75. However, Korda's round came on a difficult scoring day, where only 21 players broke par.

Taylor Leon is tied for 61st after a 2-over 74.

And Monday qualifier Jaclyn Sweeney struggled to a 9-over par 81 in her 2011 LPGA Tour debut.

The second round continues Friday.