SINGAPORE – In the first half of 2022, Elizabeth Szokol was diagnosed with a herniated disc back injury which ruled her out for five months. She played in only 13 events that year and fell to No. 150 in the world rankings.

If not for a medical exemption, she would have been ineligible to compete in the 2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship.

The 28-year-old American is making up for lost time. She fired an eight-under 64 in Thursday’s opening round at Sentosa Golf Club to seize a three-stroke lead in the US$1.8 million (S$2.4 million) tournament. The Philippine-born Japanese Yuka Saso, 21, was second after a blemish-free 67.

Despite opening with a bogey on the 10th hole, Szokol, who is playing in Singapore for the first time, regrouped with four birdies in six holes, starting from No. 14. Her closing five holes were more spectacular: an eagle and three birdies.

She said: “I was planning on coming here last year, but because of a back injury I decided to take some time away to focus on getting healthier.

“Looking back, it was a great decision and I am just happy to be back playing, especially here. I was out early last year for four or five months and I did not touch a golf club for 12 weeks.”

Ironically, Szokol might not have even been a professional golfer. Tennis was her first love but a series of knee injuries halted that pursuit and led her to pick up golf when she was 14.

She added: “It was a little bit different for me, picking up golf later than my peers, but that kind of worked for me.

“When I played tennis I had to always find someone to hit back at me but now I can go out on the course any time I want. So that was the big appeal.”

Her ball striking at the New Tanjong course was impeccable, reaching all 18 greens in regulation. The world No. 153, whose sole victory was in 2018 on the LPGA’s developmental tour, said: “The greens were quite soft from the rain yesterday, so I could definitely attack a few more pins.

“This is my first time playing here and people have said usually it’s a bit firmer. But the rain definitely softened it up, so I could be a little bit more aggressive with my approach shots.”

Saso, who won the 2021 US Women’s Open, missed just three greens and was pleased, saying: “I played pretty consistent, especially with my iron play, and gave myself good birdie chances.

“I enjoyed playing with Lilia (Vu) and Patty (Tavatanakit), plus it didn’t rain so yeah I’m very happy.”

A stroke behind her are six players, including world No. 2 Nelly Korda, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and 2019 US Women’s Open champion Lee6 Jeong-eun.

The top-ranked Lydia Ko carded a 70, defending champion Ko Jin-young shot 72 while Amanda Tan, the only local player, had a 76.

Lee6, who three months ago hired Korean-born Canadian Brian Jung as her coach, said that was helping her game.

She added: “That’s why I was playing good today and made six birdies. After my US Open win in 2019, I played without a coach for three years and I was struggling with my swing which was quite inconsistent.

“But now with Brian, it’s getting better. Playing closer to home has also helped me as I love Asian food and I really enjoy Singapore.”

Tee times, second round (selected)

1st Hole
7.25am Danielle Kang (USA)
7.37am Lydia Ko (Nzl)
7.49am Chun In-gee (Kor), Atthaya Thitikul (Tha)
8.13am Celine Boutier (Fra)
9.01am Nelly Korda (USA), Ariya Jutanugarn (Tha)
9.13am Patty Tavatanakit (Tha)
9.25am Elizabeth Szokol (USA), Yuka Saso (Jpn), Lee6 Jeong-eun (Kor)

10th Hole
8.06am Moriya Jutanugarn (Tha)
8.30am Ko Jin-young (Kor), Hinako Shibuno (Jap)
8.42am Minjee Lee (Aus)
9.18am Amanda Tan (Sgp)
9.30am Brooke Henderson (Can)