Early movers include the clouds

Rancho Mirage, Calif. -- Only half of the field has begun play at the LPGA's first major of the year, but already the scoring is low as players take advantage of the soft conditions and retreating winds. A trio of players -- Suzann Pettersen, Song Hee Kim and Vicky Hurst -- hold the lead at -4 after 11 and 12 holes, but 13 others are within reach under par.

Many of the big names -- Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Jiyai Shin -- are warming up on the practice green in preparation for their afternoon tee times. The best news yet for everyone involved is that the dark, heavy rain clouds that covered the course this morning have subsided and we're back to typical desert conditions.

--Stina Sternberg