Ko Jin-young and Heo Mi-jeong "Tied 4th at 3 Under Par"... Sim Kyu-jung Leads at 4 Under Par

Cambia Portland Classic Day 1: Driverg and Anannarukan Tied for Lead, Lee Jeong-eun6, Park Sung-hyun, and Henderson Tied for 10th at 2 Under Par

Ko Jin-young is teeing off on the 2nd hole on the first day of the Cambia Portland Classic. Portland, USA = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Number 2’ Ko Jin-young (26) has made a refreshing start.

On the 17th (Korean time), at the Oregon Golf Club in Portland, Oregon, USA (par 72, 6,478 yards), the first day of the LPGA Tour Cambia Portland Classic (total prize money $1.4 million) saw her shoot 3 under par, placing her in a tie for 4th. This group also includes 2009 champion Hur Mi-jung (32, Daebang Construction) and Shin Ji-eun (29, Hanwha Q CELLS). Carlota Ciganda (Spain), Gemma Dryburgh (Scotland), and Pajaree Anannarukarn (Thailand) are tied for the lead at 4 under par 68.

Ko Jin-young recorded six birdies and three bogeys. She started with a birdie on the 10th hole (par 4), followed by ‘stepping stone birdies’ on the 13th and 15th holes, reducing three strokes in the front nine. In the back nine, she added birdies on the 2nd and 5th holes, showing great momentum. However, a setback came with three consecutive bogeys from the 6th to 8th holes. Fortunately, she changed the mood with a birdie on the final 9th hole (par 4), securing her place for the second round. She is just one stroke behind the leaders, presenting a great opportunity for her second win of the season and ninth career victory since the VOA Classic in July.

Korea’s Lee Jeong-eun6 (25, Daebang Construction) and Park Sung-hyun (28) started comfortably, tied for 10th place (2 under par 70). Park Hee-young (34, Isu Group) and Kwak Min-seo (31) are tied for 15th (1 under par 71). On the other hand, Kim A-lim (26, SBI Savings Bank) is tied for 56th (2 over par 74), while Ji Eun-hee (35, Hanwha Q CELLS), Lee Mi-rim (31, NH Investment & Securities), and Lee Mi-hyang (28, Volvik) are tied for 103rd (6 over par 78). Brooke Henderson (Canada) is tied for 10th, and Hataoka Nasa (Japan) is tied for 15th.