Ekey, Jutanugarn, Welch lead LPGA Tour qualifying tournament

Published November 28, 2012 5:10pm EST | Updated November 20, 2014 6:39pm EST

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Kathleen Ekey, Moriya Jutanugarn and Kim Welch shot 4-under 68 on Wednesday to share the lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament.

Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Ashleigh Simon were a stroke back, and two-time tour winner Laura Diaz topped the group at 70. Christina Kim, also a two-time winner on the tour, had a 72.

The top 20 after the 90-hole event at LPGA International will earn full tour status.