Rizzo Putts Way to 67 for LPGA Lead

BOCA RATON, Fla. —  Patti Rizzo, cashing in on hours of practice on her living room rug, putted her way to a five-under-par 67 Thursday and a one-shot lead after the opening round of the $200,000 Mazda tournament, the first stop on the LPGA Tour.

Rizzo putts of 10, 12, 15 and 30 feet for birdies.

“I stood there at the house through the whole Super Bowl game and putted. I don’t think I stopped twice,” the former University of Miami player said.

Tied one shot back at 68 were rookie Trish Johnson of Britain and Missy McGeorge, seeking her first win in four years on the Tour.

Nancy Lopez shot a 69 and was tied with Jody Rosenthal, a two-time winner last year, and nonwinner Amy Benz.