Arevalo trails Houma leader by five after opening 71

Abby Arevalo: Three birdies, two bogeys —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Under demanding conditions and in chilly weather, Abby Arevalo of the Philippines gunned down three birdies in opening with a one-under-par 71 on Tuesday to trail American Kaitlin Milligan by five shots after the opening round of the Women’s All-Pro Tour’s Houma Golf Classic at Ellendale Country Club in Los Angeles, California.

With strong winds battering the 86-player field, the 21-year-old former Philippine Ladies champion held steady and finished the day tied for 17th spot along with seven others.

Milligan finished in calmer conditions in the afternoon and signed for a bogey-free 33-33 in just her third event on the Women’s All Pro Tour. She finished in the top-15 in her first two events and is tagged as one of the players to beat in this $46,000 event that offers $10,000 to the champion.