‘Number 1’ Ko Jin-young's Honor Restored with "7-Under Surge"... Lee Min-ji Leads at 8-Under (Summary)

Newly Established Palos Verdes Championship Day 1: Hull and Jutanugarn at 6 Under, Choi Hye-jin at 2 Under, Park In-bi at Even Par

Ko Jin-young is looking at the ball after putting on the 11th hole on the first day of the Palos Verdes Championship. Palos Verdes Estates, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the restoration of honor for world No. 1 Ko Jin-young (27).

On the 29th (Korean time), at the Palos Verdes Golf Club (par 71, 6,450 yards) in Palos Verdes Estates, California, USA, the first day of the newly established LPGA Tour event, the Palos Verdes Championship (total prize money $1.5 million), Ko Jin-young shot 7 under par and is currently in 2nd place. Minjee Lee (Australia) leads with 8 under par 63, while Charlie Hull (England), Moriya Jutanugarn (Thailand), and Jennifer Song (USA) are tied for 3rd place at 6 under par 65.

Ko Jin-young collected 8 birdies and 1 bogey. Although she started shakily with a bogey on the 13th hole (par 3), she finished the front nine under par with birdies on the 15th and 18th holes. On the back nine, she created momentum with 6 consecutive birdies from the 2nd to the 7th holes. Her shot accuracy stood out, missing the fairway only twice and the green only four times. Her putting was also outstanding with just 25 putts. Closing in just one stroke behind the leader, she laid the foundation for her second win of the season and 14th career victory since winning the HSBC Women’s Championship last month.

Most importantly, it is gratifying that she regained the pride of being No. 1, which was tarnished at last week’s DIO Implant LA Open. On the 17th hole (par 4) of the third day, her second shot landed in the water hazard on the left side of the green and got stuck in the mud, resulting in a quadruple bogey. Although she chose a trouble shot, it hit the concrete wall twice and came back down, eventually recording a ‘6 on 2 putts’ after a one-stroke penalty. On the final day’s 7th hole (par 3), she faltered with a double bogey after 4 putts on a 1.5m birdie opportunity.

However, this day showed a recovery from her poor performances of tied 53rd at the major Chevron Championship and tied 21st at the LA Open. “Before starting, I reminded myself that golf is just golf and not to think about last week,” said Ko Jin-young. “With a new routine, I had the mindset to start fresh,” she added, cheering, “My putting was good, so I played well.” She continued, “Since I have a break next week, I will do my best,” and added, “I’m not focusing on winning; I just want to enjoy it.”

Lee Minji is smiling after successfully saving a bunker shot on the 11th hole during the first day of the Palos Verdes Championship. Palos Verdes Estates, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

World No. 4 Minjee Lee delivered a flawless performance with 8 birdies and no bogeys. This is her seventh career win since her major victory at the Evian Championship last July. Korea’s Choi Hye-jin (23, Lotte) recorded 3 birdies and 1 bogey, placing tied 21st (2 under par 69) along with Kim In-kyung (34, Hanwha Q CELLS). Ji Eun-hee (36) and Shin Ji-eun (30, both Hanwha Q CELLS) are tied for 37th (1 under par 71), and ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bee (34, KB Financial Group) is tied for 53rd (even par 71).

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