Kim Hyo-joo's Smooth Sailing "Leaps to 3-Stroke Lead"... Park In-bi 'Cut Off'

by Roh Woolae

Published 15 Apr.2022 14:12(KST)

Lotte Championship Day 2: Kemp at 5 Under Par in 2nd Place, Kang Hyeji and Jutanugarn Tied for 3rd, Kim Arim and An Narin Tied for 5th

Kim Hyo-joo is making an approach shot on the 5th hole on the second day of the Lotte Championship. Hawaii, USA - Photo by Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Kim Hyo-joo (27, Lotte), ranked 13th in the world, takes the lead.

On the 15th (Korean time), at Hoakalei Golf Club (par 72, 6,603 yards) on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA, during the second day of the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship (total prize money $2 million), she posted a 5-under-par round to take the top spot on the leaderboard with a total of 10-under-par 134. Sarah Kemp (Australia) is in 2nd place at 7-under-par 137, while Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand) and Kang Hye-ji (32) are tied for 3rd at 6-under-par 138, continuing the chase.

Starting from a tie for 2nd place, just one stroke behind, Kim Hyo-joo swept up five birdies without any bogeys. She reduced two strokes in the front nine with birdies on the 1st hole (par 5) and 6th hole, then showed strong finishing power with birdies on the 13th hole (par 4), and the 'stepping stone birdies' on the 16th and 18th holes in the back nine. She relied on a green hit rate of 83.33% and 28 putts during the round. Leading by three strokes, she is on track for her fifth career win, her first in a year since winning the HSBC Women's World Championship in May last year.

"I am more satisfied with today's play than yesterday," she exclaimed, "It was great to have the chip-in birdie on the 6th hole from off the green." Hannah Green (Australia), who led the previous day, slipped to a tie for 17th place (2-under-par 142) after shooting 4-over-par. Defending champion Lydia Ko (New Zealand) is tied for 33rd (even par 144), and major Chevron Championship winner Jennifer Kupcho (USA) is tied for 48th (2-over-par 146). Brooke Henderson (Canada), champion in 2018 and 2019, withdrew.

Kim Ah-rim is teeing off on the 1st hole on the second day of the Lotte Championship. Photo by Daehong Communications

From Korea, Kim A-rim (27, SBI Savings Bank) shot 5-under-par to tie for 5th place (5-under-par 139). She explained, "The wind really blows a lot here," adding, "It's a place where you have to play smartly." Anna Lin (26, Mediheal) is tied for 5th, Choi Hye-jin (23, Lotte) is tied for 7th (4-under-par 140), and Lee So-mi (23, SBI Savings Bank) is tied for 11th (3-under-par 141). 'Golf queen' Park In-bi (34, KB Financial Group) missed the cut, tied for 124th (9-over-par 153).