‘Last Week Runner-up’ Choi Hye-jin, Co-Leader "This Time It's Victory"

Choi Hye-jin Leads After 1R at Dana Open, Tied for First with In-ruining
Kim Hyo-joo and Lydia Ko, Thompson Tied for 4th, One Stroke Behind
2012 Champ Yoo So-yeon Tied for 12th, 2017 Champ Kim In-kyung Tied for 29th

Choi Hye-jin is teeing off at the 2nd hole on the first day of the Dana Open. Sylvanian, USA - Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Tae-won] Rookie Choi Hye-jin (23) is on a winning streak.

On the 2nd (Korean time), at Highland Meadows Golf Club (par 71, 6,598 yards) in Sylvania, Ohio, USA, the first day of the LPGA Tour Dana Open (formerly Marathon Classic, total prize money $1.75 million) saw her shoot 6-under par to dominate the top of the leaderboard. She showcased perfect play with six birdies and no bogeys. Carlota Ciganda (Spain) and Lin Xiyu (China) also joined the co-leader group.

Choi Hye-jin’s tee shots were outstanding, missing the fairway only once. She had 25 putts. Since debuting on the LPGA Tour this year, Choi has been cruising with nine top-10 finishes in 18 tournaments. Last week at the CP Women’s Open, she recorded her best season result with a tie for 2nd place. In the Rookie of the Year standings, she is second (1,015 points) behind Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand, 1,075 points).

Kim Hyo-joo (27) is eyeing a comeback from a tie for 4th place, one stroke behind (5-under par 66). Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and Lexi Thompson (USA) are also tied for 4th. 2012 champion Yoo So-yeon (32), Kim A-lim (27), and Minjee Lee (Australia) are tied for 12th (4-under par 67), while 2017 champion Kim In-kyung (34) is tied for 29th (2-under par 69). 2019 champion Kim Se-young (29) and 2015 champion Choi Woon-jung (32) are tied for 37th (1-under par 70).

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