Bowie is off to a strong start

Heather Bowie chipped in for an eagle and had a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 yesterday to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the LPGA State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill.

Bowie, who missed the US Solheim Cup team after finishing 12th in the standings, was at even-par when she holed a 14-foot wedge shot on the fourth hole at the Rail Golf Club. She followed with five birdies.

Sherri Turner, who missed most of last year with a shoulder injury, birdied five of her first six holes and was tied for the lead before hitting a 7-iron into the water and making a bogey at the par-3 16th. Turner, 48, finished a stroke back at 6 under along with Natalie Gulbis and Tina Barrett.

European -- Defending champion Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia opened with 5-under 66s, leaving them one stroke behind Garry Houston, Jarmo Sandelin, and David Carter in the first round of the European Masters in Crans-Sur-Sierre, Switzerland.

Asian -- Retief Goosen made two eagles and five birdies for an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead over Darren Griff and Gary Simpson in the China Masters in Beijing.