Arim Kim's Non-Member Surge "Surprising 2nd Place with 3 Under Par"... Olson Leads

US Women's Open First Day 3-Under Start, Park Sung-hyun and Choi Hye-jin Tied 12th at 1-Under, Park In-bi Tied 24th at Even Par

Kim A-rim is teeing off at the 12th hole on the first day of the US Women's Open. Houston, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] Power hitter Kim Arim (25, SBI Savings Bank) is causing a 'non-member sensation.'

On the 11th (Korean time), at the Champions Golf Club Jackrabbit Course (par 71, 6,558 yards) in Houston, Texas, USA, Kim shot 3-under par on the first day of the US Women's Open (total prize money $5.5 million) of the LPGA Tour, tying for 2nd place. Hinako Shibuno (Japan) and Moriya Jutanugarn (Thailand) are also in this group. Amy Olson (USA) surged with 4-under par at the Cypress Creek Course (par 71, 6,731 yards), taking the top spot on the leaderboard.

Originally scheduled for June, the event was postponed to December due to the impact of COVID-19, and for the first time in history, it was held across two courses. This was a measure considering the shorter daylight hours in winter. Rounds 1 and 2 are played simultaneously on the Cypress Creek and Jackrabbit courses, while rounds 3 and 4 are on the Cypress Creek Course. Kim Arim recorded 5 birdies and 2 bogeys. After a smooth start with a birdie on the 10th hole (par 5) and consecutive birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, she was halted by consecutive bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes.

However, in the back nine, she secured 'stepping stone birdies' on holes 1 and 3 and finished the remaining 6 holes with pars. She relied on her powerful drives averaging 268 yards and 'stingy putting' with only 25 putts during the round. Being just one stroke behind the leader, this is a great opportunity to expect a win at the 'national title of the USA.' South Korea has had non-members win before: So Yeon Ryu (30, Mediheal) in 2011 and In Gee Chun (26, KB Financial Group) in 2015.

Kim Arim debuted on the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) regular tour in 2016 and has two wins: the 2018 Park Seri Invitational and last year's Queens Park Championship. Although she has no wins this year, she leads in driving distance (259.52 yards) and ranks 21st in prize money (18,758,000 KRW). Including her 7th place finish at last month's final SK Telecom ADT Caps Championship, she has entered the top 10 in four consecutive tournaments, showing an upward trend. She is aiming to become the 5th 'Cinderella' in history to win on her first appearance.

Only four players have achieved this rare feat: Patty Berg (1946), Kathy Cornelius (1956, both USA), Ju Yeon Kim (39, 2005), and In Gee Chun (2015). "I had a good start, so I was able to maintain the momentum," she explained. Olson took a surprise lead thanks to a hole-in-one on the 16th hole (par 3). South Korea's 2017 champion Sung Hyun Park (27) reduced one stroke to tie for 12th place. Choi Hye Jin (21, Lotte), the 'KLPGA Tour Player of the Year,' also joined this group, aiming for her first win on the US stage.

Prize money leader Inbee Park (32, KB Financial Group) exchanged 5 birdies for 5 bogeys and failed to reduce her score, tying for 24th at even par. 'Player of the Year' Kim Sei Young (27, Mirae Asset) started at 1-over par, tied for 37th. Despite a quadruple bogey on the 11th hole (par 3) of the Jackrabbit Course and losing 4 strokes in the first 3 holes, she managed to bounce back. So Yeon Ryu is tied for 37th, while No. 1 Jin Young Ko (25) and defending champion Jeongeun Lee6 (24, Daebang Construction) are tied for 55th at 2-over par.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.