American Auston Kim had the fewest putts (21) but the most birdies (seven) in the first round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. Shot 66 at Sentosa Golf Club, 6 under, one shot ahead of the 72 at the Elite Course.
“When I think about my game and me as a golfer from last year, I think I opened last year’s tournament with a 78, I mean, obviously it feels great to get a good score,” said King, who is playing at HSBC for the second time. “But I just feel like I can handle things better, and I’ve been talking to my mental coach as well…one of the things we’ve talked about this past week is trying to win every day, win every shot, and I feel like I’ve done a really good job.”
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China’s Liu Yan was one shot behind after a 67, while five players were two shots behind at 4 under, including major champion Miu Yamashita.
Yamashita made his debut in the event and shot a bogey-free 68. The petite Japanese player won the AIG Women’s British Open and the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last year. A 13-time JLPGA champion, Yamashita finished in the top ten 12 times in 25 games last season and won the LPGA Rookie of the Year award.
“So last year I participated in almost every game,” Yamashita said after the game, “but this year I managed my schedule with more rest and adjustments, and I feel like I’m in good shape. And in every game I participate in, I aim to win and give my best. I want to keep improving my skills and abilities to take them to the next level.”
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Rookie Mimi Rhodes, who was invited to play by a sponsor, shot 68 along with fellow Solheim Cup hopefuls Lindy Duncan, Haeran Ryu and Linn Grant.
Defending champion Lydia Ko opened with a 70, while world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, fresh off a win in Thailand, shot 73. Charley Hull, currently ranked third in the world, shot 72.
Nine of the world’s top 10 players compete in Singapore, but only Yamashita breaks into the top 10 after the first round.
This article originally appeared in Golfweek: American Auston Kim wins Asian Major with opening 66
