Japan’s Ai Miyazato set a course record on Thursday, carding a nine-under 63 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup tournament.

Miyazato, who finished second in the event last year, leads South Korea’s Jee Young Lee, who equalled the previous course record at Wildfire Golf Club with a seven-under 65.

Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum, Taiwan’s Candie Kung, and Americans Gerina Piller and Brittany Lang share third place after they shot rounds of 66.

Australian Katherine Hull-Kirk, Sandra Gal, Jiyai Shin and Lexi Thompson are one shot adrift in seventh at 67.

Defending champ Yani Tseng posted a two-under 70 in her first round to take a share of 39th place.

Paula Creamer, who along with Miyazato suffered whiplash injuries in a car crash in Thailand, shot a three-under 69 and is tied for 21st.

Natalie Gulbis was forced to withdraw from the tournament on Wednesday after she was diagnosed with malaria.

The American pulled out of the tournament after becoming ill while playing in a LPGA Tour event two weeks ago in Singapore.