HONOLULU — A Lim Kim concluded her round with back-to-back birdies, finishing the day with a score of 5-under 67, thus securing a one-stroke lead over Nataliya Guseva in the Lotte Championship.
Kim’s performance included overcoming a bogey on the par-4 16th hole by birdieing the par-4 17th and the par-5 18th, which gave her a total score of 14-under 202 at the breezy Hoakalei Country Club. The tournament commenced on Wednesday, and with only one round remaining, the excitement is palpable.
Currently placed 65th in the Race to CME Globe rankings, Kim has just two tournaments left to push herself into the top 60, thus qualifying for the season finale where the champion will earn a lucrative $4 million prize. The 29-year-old South Korean golfer captured her first and only LPGA Tour title at the U.S. Women’s Open in December 2020.
On the other hand, 21-year-old Guseva, who is aiming to make history as the first Russian winner on the LPGA Tour, posted a score of 68 while facing a bogey on the 17th hole for the third consecutive day.
Ryann O’Toole is currently in third position with an 11-under total after completing her round with a score of 69. Additionally, Jin Young Ko recorded a 67, joining Auston Kim, who scored 69, and Yuri Yoshida, who finished with a 71, all at 10 under overall.
The excitement of the championship continues to build as players strive for higher placements and potential wins, showcasing the ongoing competitiveness in the world of women’s golf.