Inbee Park Tied for 13th at 3 Shots Behind... Lindsey Kim and Tan Share Lead
Third Major KPMG Women's First Day Even Par, Danielle Kang Tied 3rd, Park Sung-hyun and Kim Se-young Tied 26th
Park In-bee is teeing off at the 7th hole on the first day of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA = Getty Images / Multibits
View original image[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Golf Queen' Park In-bee (32, KB Financial Group) had a steady start.
On the 9th (Korean time), at the Aronimink Golf Club (par 70, 6,577 yards) in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA, the first day of the third major of the LPGA Tour, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship (total prize money $4.3 million), she scored an even par and stood tied for 13th place. Kelly Tan (Malaysia) and Brittany Lincicome are co-leaders (3-under 67), while six players including Danielle Kang (USA) and Lydia Ko (New Zealand) are tied for 3rd place (2-under 68).
Park In-bee exchanged 2 birdies and 2 bogeys on the 'tough course.' After a bogey on the 4th hole (par 4), she gained momentum with consecutive birdies on the 10th and 11th holes but lost a stroke again on the 15th hole (par 4). Her tee shot accuracy was remarkable, missing the fairway only once. However, her green play was problematic with 31 putts during the round. She is only 3 strokes behind the leader, presenting an opportunity to aim for her second win of the season, 21st career victory, and fourth championship title at this tournament.
Tan posted 5 birdies and 3 bogeys to top the leaderboard. She debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2014, with her best finish that year being tied for 4th at the Marathon Classic. Two-time champion Danielle Kang is also chasing the lead, just one stroke behind, looking for a comeback. Among Korean players, Yang Hee-young (31, Woori Financial Group) holds the best position, tied for 9th (1-under 69). Shin Ji-eun (28, Hanwha Q CELLS) and Lee Jeong-eun 5 (32) joined the group tied for 13th.
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2018 champion Park Sung-hyun (27) recorded 2 birdies and 3 bogeys. Although her average drive distance reached 285 yards, her greens in regulation rate was only 67%. Kim Sei-young (27, Mirae Asset) and Ji Eun-hee (Hanwha Q CELLS) are tied for 26th place (1-over 71). Jeon In-ji (KB Financial Group) is tied for 40th (2-over 72). On the other hand, Im Hyang (27, Volvik) is tied for 103rd (6-over 76), and 'ANA Champion' Im Ri-im (30, NH Investment & Securities) is tied for 113th (7-over 77), showing disappointing results.
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