The LPGA Qualifying Series' Qualifying Stage got underway Tuesday in Venice, Fla. Wind was the story of the day at Plantation Golf and Country Club, where 198 athletes from all over the world are chasing a top-55-and-ties finish to advance to the Final Qualifying Stage in Mobile, Ala.

Brooke Biermann took the long layoff in stride, signing for a bogey-free 6-under 66. Coming off her rookie year on the Epson Tour, Biermann said the extra three weeks gave her time to rest and to prepare for the Bermuda grass in Florida.

“The three-week period really was nice. It was three extra weeks to rest. I still practiced and everything, but I took a little bit of time off when I got back, and I think it was pretty beneficial for me,” said Biermann.

Brooke Biermann

Her favorite shot came on the 7th hole, where she found the rough off the tee in the wind and still stuck her approach to a couple of feet for birdie. The former Michigan State standout said tough conditions tend to sharpen her focus.

“I think the more difficult conditions are sometimes a little better for me. It makes me focus a little more,” Biermann said. “It's a long week, so you take confidence from this, but you've got to keep your foot on the pedal.”

Camille Boyd matched Biermann at 6-under 66 in her first round of the week. The LPGA Tour rookie leaned on her experience at Plantation and the lessons from her first season on the LPGA Tour.

“Being out there, I was learning a lot from the other girls, but out here I feel more confident that I belong, and I can go out and play more freely,” said Boyd. Her favorite birdie came on the par-5 13th, where a 3-wood onto the green set up an eagle look.

New Zealand's Amelia Garvey sits one shot back at 5-under 67, a round that included an eagle. The LET player credited her short game and driving in the wind.

“I've always wanted to be on the LPGA, and that's been my goal since turning professional,” said Garvey. “It's always my main focus at the end of the year to try to get status on the LPGA, so it was a no-brainer to come and play Q-School this year.”

Hong Kong's Arianna Lau (a) is the low amateur after a bogey-free round, highlighted by a bunker shot on her first hole that set the tone.

The second round will begin on Wednesday at 7:30am local time. Follow along with live scoring here.

Brooke Biermann and Camille Boyd Post 6-Under 66s in Windy Opening Round of LPGA Q-Series Qualifying Stage

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