Charleston native Laura Myerscough competed in her first LPGA round as a professional Thursday as she teed it up during the season opening Welch’s/Fry’s Championship in Tucson, Ariz.

In 2003, she tied for 22nd at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament and earned exempt status for the 2004 season in three-hole, eight-way playoff, played nine events on the Futures Tour, where she recorded her career-best finish with a tie for fifth at the Aurora Health Care Futures Charity Golf Classic and turned professional in June.

Myerscough shot a 3-over-par 73 at the golf course she played at during her four years at the University of Arizona.

Myerscough was the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship runner-up in 2000. From 2000-02, she was a member of the United States World Amateur Team. She was a U.S. Curtis Cup Team member in 2002 and an All-American at the University of Arizona.

The 2004 Tour rookie ended the day tied for 102nd and 13 strokes behind the tournament leader.

Myerscough’s golf teacher since childhood is Eastern’s head golf coach Mike Moncel and she was able to use Lantz Fieldhouse to keep the rust off her swing during the winter months in Illinois.

Jung Yeon Lee flirted with a 59 in the opening round of the 2004 season to take the early lead after the first round of play. The third-year Tour player missed a birdie putt on 18 to post a 60 (-10).

Veteran and annual leader in driving distance Laura Davies shot a 5-under par 65 which puts her at five shots back going into Friday.