Gustafson debuts on Japanese tour
IBUSUKI, Japan -- Sophie Gustafson shot a two-over-par 74 to tie for 68th place as she became the first woman to play in a Japanese men's tour event at the Casio Open on Friday.
The Swede, the top earner on the women's tour in Europe, birdied to early holes but fell back with four bogeys on the back nine.
Japan's Katsumune Imai led by two shots after the first round with a seven-under 65.
"I wasn't nervous when I went out. Overall I'm satisfied with the way I played today," said Gustafson.
"The tournament is not over yet and it's a good experience for me to compete in the men's tournament. I'd like to challenge again."
Dinesh Chand of Fiji shared second place with Japan's Soshi Tajima and Koki Idoki on 67, followed by Prayad Marksaeng of
Thailand, Jyoti Randhawa of India, Frankie Minoza of the Philippines and Tsuyoshi Yoneyama of Japan one stroke further back.
