Kim Sei-young sets the pace at LPGA Matchplay after early birdie binge
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
South Korea's Kim Sei-young on her way to a six-under 66 on the first day of the LPGA Match Play at Shadow Creek on April 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
PHOTO: AFP
LOS ANGELES – Kim Sei-young birdied six of the first 10 holes on her way to a six-under 66, grabbing a one-stroke lead after the opening day of the LPGA Matchplay tournament on April 3.
The South Korean has not won an LPGA title since the November 2020 Pelican Championship, which came a month after her lone Major triumph at the Women’s PGA Championship.
A revamped format for the 2024 event at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas features three rounds of strokeplay, with the top eight advancing to weekend matchplay.
On April 6, the single-elimination matchplay bracket is in the morning, followed by the semi-finals in the afternoon. The championship match is on April 7.
Kim, ranked 39th, opened with a birdie, added another at the third hole and reeled off three in a row ending at the par-three eighth.
She birdied to begin the back nine and answered her lone bogey at No. 14 with a birdie at the par-five 16th.
“It’s a change, the format (of) first three rounds, and feels like a lot of things going on,” the 31-year-old said. “It works today.
“The front nine I didn’t expect I would play... this well. I was just like, some holes, par is best, so I kind of play very smart. That’s what I wanted to do, so pretty solid round. I’m very happy with that.”
Kim, who won her first of 12 career LPGA titles in 2015, has adopted a more cautious tone rather than attacking the pins.
“But now I don’t follow any more because if you follow the hole, it can be the water, so just kind of very safely play this week.”
Rose Zhang birdied her last four holes to seize a share of second spot with fellow American Danielle Kang on 67.
“I felt like I was just really patient out there,” Zhang said. “I had a really good game plan coming in.
“You can’t really go at pins on this golf course, so making sure that I have my targets and iron play was pretty exceptional. I really gave myself many opportunities out there.”
Kang, playing on her home course, had a round similar to Zhang’s. Also starting off on the 10th tee, she was one under, then added four birdies in a bogey-free back nine to finish on five under.
Sharing fourth on 69 were Japan’s Yuka Saso, Australian Minjee Lee and Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist. Defending champion Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand is tied for 40th at two over. AFP, REUTERS
