Lauren Coughlin sets LPGA record by opening round with 9 straight birdies in Arkansas

Lauren Coughlin has etched her name in LPGA history by opening a round with nine consecutive birdies, a feat never seen before in the league. The accomplishment took place during the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship held in Rogers, Arkansas on Saturday. The event marked Coughlin's second round of the 54-hole competition, which began on the back nine at Pinnacle Country Club.

The Arkansas native opened her round with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole and maintained her impressive form by not dropping a single shot until the par-4 first hole. Her outstanding performance culminated in a 9-under 26 score on the front nine, with a wedge shot landing just three feet from the cup on the par-5 18th hole for her ninth birdie.

Despite starting the round with a 2-over 73 in the opening round of the 54-hole event, Coughlin's remarkable nine-birdie start allowed her to establish a new LPGA single-round scoring record. The previous record stood at a remarkable 59, achieved by Annika Sorenstam during the second round of the Standard Register PING tournament in Phoenix on March 16, 2001.

Coughlin, a three-time winner on the LPGA Tour, is known for her strong performance during the U.S. team efforts at the Solheim Cup. She participated in all five sessions of the tournament, finishing with a record of 3-1-1.