SINGAPORE — A Lim Kim began the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s World Championship strong, putting up a 4-under 68 on Thursday to seize a one-shot lead following the first round.
Kim, hailing from South Korea, skillfully navigated the challenging windy conditions on Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong course, recording five birdies only to drop a stroke with a bogey on the par-5 16th.
Chasing closely is England’s Charley Hull, a mere stroke behind after carding a 69. A group of golfers, including China’s Ruoning Yin and Minjee Lee from Australia, concluded the round tied in third place at 70. Meanwhile, Lydia Ko shot a 71, positioning her among a cohort tied for seventh place.
Jin Young Ko, aiming to become the tournament’s first-ever three-time champion, began with a round of 73. Brooke Henderson posted a 74, while last year’s winner, Hannah Green, finished with a 75. Recently victorious at the LPGA Thailand, Angel Yin completed her round with a 76.
The final event of this year’s early Asian Swing in the LPGA schedule will take place next week on Hainan Island, China. The Singapore tournament has drawn an impressive field with nine of the world’s top ten female players, and 13 out of the top fifteen, though top-ranked Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang are notably absent.
