22-year-old Philippine rookie Cyna Rodriguez and TLPGA no.1 Lu Ya-Huei (呂雅惠) share the lead after the first round of the TLPGA South Taiwan Open at the Takangshan Golf Course. Both carded a 5-under 67 and led Taiwanese Chen I Wen (陳依妏) by two strokes.

Rodriguez, who turned pro in August and is competing in only her third event on the TLPGA Tour, has decided to make a 500 Philippine Peso donation for each birdie she scores, to help her home country victims after Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Central Philippines.

“I lived in the north Manila where it was more fortunate than what happened in the central area,“ said Rodriguez. “But I really feel a lot for the victims and I hope I can make a little support with my donation.”

On the par-4 tenth, Rodriguez’s carried a wedge shot from over 180 yards before it hopped and then rolled forward into the hole for an eagle, adding to her tally of another five birdies and two bogeys.

Also off to a hot start was Lu Ya-Huei, who finished the round bogey-free and tied with Rodriguez at the top at 5-under.

Although disappointing herself with an arm injury at the Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship, Lu recovered well enough in today’s opening round of the TLPGA South Taiwan Open and went on to record five birdies. Lu needed only 26 putts and showed why she is just steps away from the honor of the TLPGA year-end no.1.

“The birdies were nice but I like how I saved it on 12 when it sailed into the woods,” said Lu. It cost Lu three shots to finally send the ball onto the 12th green but she stood solid and sank a 15-foot putt to leave with a Par.

Chen I Wen took a short lead when she holed out for eagle on the par-4 seventh, before she ended up with some missed opportunities to sit at solo third with a 3-under 69.

Symetra Tour's money titlist Patcharajutar Kongkraphan looked far from her best and is currently tied at 19th at 74. Only the top 50 and ties after tomorrow will make the cut for the final round on Friday.