| Kim Se-young of the LPGA Tour. © AFP=News1 |
Kim Se-young (29) and Yoo So-yeon (32, Mediheal) tied for 5th on the first day of the US Women’s Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour Dio Implant LA Open (total prize money of $1.5 million).
Se-young Kim hit a 3-under-par 68 with 6 birdies and 3 bogeys in the first round of the tournament held at Wilshire Country Club (par 71, 6447 yards) in Los Angeles, California on the 22nd (Korean time).
Kim Se-young, who participated in the Mediheal and Hankook Ilbo Championship on the Korea Women’s Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour held in Korea last week, flew to the United States immediately after the tournament to participate in this tournament.
Although the schedule is tight, Kim Se-young finished the first day in a tie for fifth place, two shots behind Allison Lee (USA), who took the lead alone at 5-under.
Kim Se-young, who started the game from the 10th hole, showed an uneasy appearance by bogeying on the 11th hole (par 4). But he made up for it on the 13th (par 5) and then cut one more shot on the 15th (par 5).
Se-young Kim, who raised her momentum, succeeded in birding again on the 1st hole (par 4).
The 2nd hole (par 5) and 3rd hole (par 4) stopped bogeying and faltered, but after catching a birdie on the 4th hole (par 3), he recorded a birdie on the 8th and 9th holes (or par 4 above), 3 under par. Finished the first day.
After finishing the first round, Kim Se-young said, “It was not easy because there was a lot of wind. I was able to record a 3-under par by finishing well at the end.”
He added, “I think there are a lot of Korean fans in Los Angeles, and there is a Korean town, so it feels like Korea.” He added, “The food is delicious and good. There are a lot of Korean fans during the game, so it gives me a lot of energy.”
Yoo So-yeon, who participated in the KLPGA Tour last week with Kim Se-young, recorded four birdies and one bogey, making a 3-under-par 68. In particular, Yoo So-yeon showed a stable shot sense, missing the green and the fairway twice each on the day.
Yoo So-yeon said, “I was in Korea last week, so my first goal was to get used to the jet lag, but fortunately it was perfect. Thanks to that, I felt good when I started the competition.” “I had a lot of trouble with my swing, but this time I got a little better. Satisfied with the score It was a good game,” he said.
After taking a break for over two weeks after participating in the Chevron Championship, the first major event of the season, World No. 1 Jinyoung Ko (27, Solaire), who prepared for this tournament, tied two birdies and two bogeys to hit an even par 71 stroke. placed 30th.