PORTLAND, Ore. – Two-time defending Cambia Portland Classic champion Brooke Henderson nearly holed out from a fairway bunker on the 18th hole, en route to a birdie and a five-under-par 67 in the first day of tournament play at the 2017 Cambia Portland Classic. 

Henderson finds herself in a six-way tie for second place, one shot behind tournament leader In Gee Chun of South Korea. Chun, currently 6th in the race for the CME Globe, is making her Portland debut. Henderson got off to a strong start in her first nine, but couldn’t get her putts to drop as the round continued.

“I would've liked to finish a little bit lower today. I was 4-under through the front nine and things were going really well,” said Henderson. “I tried to make a few more birdies on the back but they just didn't fall. Hopefully tomorrow I can play a little bit better on that side.”

Thursday’s field took advantage of perfect conditions at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, with more than a dozen players posting scores within two shots of the lead. In her return to Portland, Lexi Thompson found herself on pace to overtake Chun for the lead, until a double bogey at the 17th left Thompson fighting to maintain a four-under-par 68.

Thursday also marked a historic day for an LPGA Hall of Famer. The City of Portland proclaimed August 31, 2017, “Nancy Lopez Day” in the city.

“It was a surprise and a great honor from a great city. Receiving this proclamation is a recognition that I will always cherish because it comes with so many wonderful memories on the golf course here at Columbia Edgewater Country Club and in a city that has such a deep appreciation for the sport of golf,” said Lopez.

Tournament play resumes for day two tomorrow, September 1, with the first players teeing off at 7:15am.