Lotte Championship: In-Kyung Kim holds first round lead
Thursday 16 April 2015 14:41, UK
South Korea's In-Kyung fired a seven-under 65 to hold a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Lotte Championship in Hawaii.
Playing in the last group of the day off the 10th tee, Kim fired eight birdies in windy conditions at Ko Olina GC, including three successive gains to finish, with the only blemish coming via a bogey at the par-four 11th.
The 26-year-old is one of five South Koreans dominating the top of the leaderboard, with compatriots Na Yeon Choi, Chella Choi, rookie Sei Young Kim and world No 3 Inbee Park all tied-second after shooting opening-round 67s.
Park posted a back-nine 32 to stay in contention, holing a 45-foot putt on the final hole to make one of four birdies on the back nine.
"I judged the wind great and holed a lot of good putts," Park said. "Especially the last putt. I can't remember how long it's been since I holed that long a putt."
Jenny Shin sits outright fifth after a blemish-free 68, with Founders Cup winner Hyo Joo Kim, Kia Classic champion Cristie Kerr, Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer part of a nine-player group a further shot adrift.
Defending champion Michelle Wie lies five strokes back following an opening round 70 on home soil, with the world No 9 missing an eight-foot birdie chance at the last after hitting the flag with her approach shot.
"Some of the putts you kind of have to play for the wind as well,” Wie said. "It's not like it's a constant, so you have to wait for the right moment for the wind to blow or not blow. It gets tricky out there.
“You've just got to stay patient and try to hit solid putts and take whatever comes at you."
Brittany Lincicome struggled to a one-over 73 in her first round since winning the ANA Inspiration earlier this month, the same score as England's Felicity Johnson.
