Ardina, Bruce sparkle in Utah

Dottie Ardina got off to a flying start, firing a five-under-par 67 at the start of the Copper Roc Championship in Hurricane, Utah, on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Filipina birdied three of the last five holes to share sixth spot, three strokes behind American Hailee Cooper who sizzled for a 63.

Starting at the back, Ardina birdied 11, 13, and 17 before stumbling her first bogey on 18. She then birdied 5, 7 and 9.

Meanwhile, Samantha Bruce continued her steady form with a 69.

The 24-year-old Filipina got off to a confident start, beginning her round on the back nine. She carded birdies on the 12th, 1st, and 3rd holes to finish the day tied for 10th place in a crowded leaderboard, six strokes behind early clubhouse leader Hailee Cooper of the United States, who fired a scorching 63.

Meanwhile, Pauline del Rosario opened with an even-keeled 71, Tomi Arejola matched par, and Clariss Guce carded a 77.