SINGAPORE — In an impressive show of skill at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko crafted a remarkable round of golf to position herself just one stroke behind the leader. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and LPGA Hall of Famer scored a stellar 5-under 67 during Friday’s play at the Tanjong course, located at Sentosa Golf Club.
With a two-day total score of 6-under 138, Ko is closing in on first-round leader A Lim Kim, who maintained her lead after an impactful 69. Ko’s consistency was evident; she avoided any bogeys by hitting 11 out of 14 fairways and impressively made 16 of 17 greens in regulation.
Reflecting on her past experiences at this course, Ko remarked, “I usually don’t have the best record here, but this year feels different. I hoped to change that narrative,” she shared. “Scores have not been particularly low so far, so I am concentrating on my game and advancing up the leaderboard.”
Lydia Ko has said that her achievements, including her Olympic success and Hall of Fame status, have positively impacted her approach to the sport. She expressed her renewed perspective, stating, “I find myself enjoying the game more, and it puts me in a place where I can experiment and improve while adhering to the strategies that worked last year.”
With bigger aspirations still in mind, Ko added, “While playing, I strive to deliver my best golf and compete strongly throughout. The ultimate thrill is raising the trophy by Sunday’s end.”
England’s Charley Hull, with a score of 70, is currently tied in third place alongside Hyo Joo Kim, who completed a 66 round. Both golfers sit two strokes back from the lead.
The defending champion of the event, Hannah Green, played to a score of 69 and stands at an even-par 144, alongside Angel Yin. Yin, who achieved victory last week at the LPGA Thailand event, posted a commendable 68.
The competition in Singapore is notable for its high-profile participation, featuring nine of the top ten players from the global rankings, and 13 out of the top 15, with exceptions being top-ranked Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang.
The tournament next heads to Hainan Island, China, for the conclusion of the LPGA’s early Asian Swing, promising more exciting play ahead.
