ROGERS, Ark. – Jasmine Suwannapura birdied the final two holes Friday to secure an 8-under 63 and first place on a leaderboard full of Arkansas Razorbacks at the LPGA Tour's Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.

Opening in gusty morning weather at Pinnacle Country Club, Suwannapura played the back nine in 5-under 30 and closed with birdies on the par-3 17th and par-5 18th.

“We’re just having fun out there,” said Suwannapura, the 31-year-old Thai player with two LPGA Tour victories in his career. “Keep the momentum going. Today we are literally playing with the wind. It was pretty gusty too.”

Former University of Arkansas star Maria Fassi was a throwback along with Liqi Zeng, Carlota Ciganda and Ashleigh Buhai. Mexico's Fassi crowned her college career with the 2019 NCAA individual title.

“It was pretty special to have some of the current Razorbacks there teeing off in the morning,” Fassi said. “It was a great day for me.”

One of those current Arkansas players teeing off with Fassi – Maria Marin of Colombia – also landed near Fassi on the leaderboard after a 65.

“For me, it’s like a privilege to be here,” Marin said. “Obviously last year I worked very, very hard all season to be here and get the exemption. It’s just great.”

Suwannapura is ranked 110th in the world. She won her last tour title with Cydney Clanton at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in 2019.

“I think it’s anyone’s guess tomorrow,” Suwannapura said. “I know a lot of girls are going to have a bad time out here. I hope I can stay low for the next two days. We’ll see what happens.”

The 18-year-old Zeng of China had five straight birdies on her front nine, on spots 14 through 18. Yu Liu and Dottie Ardina were the same age as Marin at 65.

Gaby Lopez, another former Arkansas star from Mexico, led the group with 66 years.

“Everyone is here because of Razorback Nation,” Lopez said.

Winning Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis, another former Arkansas player, was 69 years old. She won the event in 2014.

Defending champion Haeran Ryu shot 69. Lilia Vu, ranked No. 2 in the world, had a double bogey and three bogeys in a 71.