HONOLULU — A Lim Kim, the former champion of the U.S. Women’s Open, kicked off the Lotte Championship with an impressive eagle and followed it up with several birdies, finishing the first round with a remarkable score of 6-under 66. This performance placed her one stroke ahead of the competition at Hoakalei Country Club.
This successful start holds significant meaning for Kim, who is still riding the momentum from her sole LPGA victory, which came in December 2020 during the pandemic-affected Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club. Currently ranked No. 65 in the Race to CME Globe, Kim is aiming to break into the top 60 within the next two tournaments to secure a spot in the season-ending event that boasts a winner’s purse of $4 million.
“I had a great day, so I’m looking forward to fun rounds ahead,” Kim remarked after her round.
Several players closely following Kim also have much to prove as the tournament progresses. The top 100 players at the conclusion of next week’s event in Florida will retain their full cards for the 2025 season. Among those tied just behind Kim at 67 was Bianca Pagdanganan, who commenced the week sitting at No. 107.
Pagdanganan was in contention for the lead until a couple of late bogeys stunted her momentum, although she did manage to clinch a birdie on the par-5 18th hole. She navigated the challenging afternoon winds on Oahu, which thwarted many other players’ chances of overtaking Kim. “I capitalized on most of my birdie opportunities, while also ensuring I played wisely despite the tricky conditions,” Pagdanganan noted, reflecting on the importance of patience.
The score of 67 was also shared by Ruixin Liu, Polly Mack, and Perrine Delacour, all of whom are equally focused on securing their futures by finishing within the top 60 for the season finale or the top 100 to guarantee their full status next year.
The windy conditions were a challenge for some competitors, such as Japan’s Yuri Yoshida, who stood at No. 132 in points. After a strong performance that included six birdies and no bogeys, she stumbled with two back-nine bogeys and missed out on birdies on the par-5 holes, finishing at 68.
The field featured only two current top 10 players in the women’s world rankings. Ayaka Furue is vying for the Vare Trophy, awarded for the lowest scoring average, showcased her skills with a 70, having recently claimed victory at the Evian Championship to earn her first major title.
Jin Young Ko, the other top-10 player, also ended the round with a score of 70 as she seeks to extend her impressive streak of victories on the LPGA Tour for seven consecutive years.
Additionally, the tournament welcomed 14-year-old Honorine Nobuta Ferry, who received a sponsor exemption to make her LPGA debut. Having grown up in Oahu and once attending the Lotte Championship, she had the unique experience of competing alongside more seasoned players. Having recently watched the Toto Japan Classic, she was excited for this moment. Ferry, who now resides in the Dallas area to facilitate travel for junior tournaments, carded 11 straight pars in her round, finishing with a score of 74. “This round is something I will always cherish,” she expressed.