SINGAPORE — A windy day at Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong course set the stage for a challenging start to the HSBC Women’s World Championship, where A Lim Kim emerged in the lead after the first round. Kim skillfully navigated the tough conditions to card a 4-under 68, securing a narrow one-stroke lead.
Kim’s round included five impressive birdies, but a bogey on the par-5 16th added a slight hiccup to her performance. Despite the gusty winds, she managed to maintain her composure and end the day on top. “The wind made it really tough today, but we all faced the same challenge,” said Kim. “I’m determined to work even harder for tomorrow.”
Following closely behind was England’s Charley Hull, who delivered a flawless round with a bogey-free score of 69, placing her in second position. Four players, including China’s Ruoning Yin and Australia’s Minjee Lee, finished their rounds tied for third with a score of 70 each.
The competition featured some of the leading names in women’s golf, with World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand and No. 3 Lydia Ko of New Zealand both shooting 71. Notably, Jin Young Ko, aiming to clinch her third victory at the Singapore event, posted an opening round of 73, while Brooke Henderson ended with a 74.
Defending champion Hannah Green found herself further down the leaderboard after recording a 75. Meanwhile, Angel Yin, fresh off a win at the LPGA Thailand event the previous week, struggled and finished with a 76.
This tournament field boasts a stellar lineup, including nine of the top ten golfers in the world rankings. The only absentees from the top list are Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang. The HSBC Women’s World Championship is part of the tour’s early Asian Swing, and competition will soon move to the final event on Hainan Island, China, next week.
