Inbee Park "Tied 7th, 5 Strokes Behind"… 'Number 1' Korda Leads for Two Days

2022 Season Opening Tournament of Champions Day 3: Daniel Kang and Lopez Tied for 2nd, Henderson 4th at 2 Strokes Behind

Park In-bee is walking with an umbrella on the 12th hole on the third day of the 2022 season opening Tournament of Champions. Orlando, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bee (34, KB Financial Group) is fighting alone.

On the 23rd (Korean time), at the Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, USA (par 72, 6,617 yards), the third day of the LPGA Tour 2022 season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (total prize money $1.5 million), Park added 2-under par to maintain a tie for 7th place (8-under par 208). ‘Number 1’ Nelly Korda leads (13-under par 203), with Danielle Kang (both USA) and Gaby Lopez (Mexico) chasing closely in a tie for 2nd place, one stroke behind (12-under par 204).

Starting from a tie for 7th place, 4 strokes behind, Park In-bee recorded 5 birdies and 3 bogeys. In the first 6 holes, she made 2 birdies but also 3 bogeys, losing one stroke. However, she changed the momentum with a birdie on the 9th hole (par 5), then showed resilience by making 2 more birdies on the 12th and 15th holes. She missed the fairway only twice and had a good putting count of 28. However, her green in regulation rate was a disappointing 66.7%. She trails the leader by 5 strokes, continuing her hope for her 22nd career win since the Kia Classic last March.

Nelly Korda is smiling brightly on the third day of the 2022 season opening Tournament of Champions at the 3rd hole. Orlando, USA = Getty Images / Multivitz

Korda made 4 birdies (1 bogey). Her long drives averaging 250 yards stood out. Maintaining a 1-stroke lead, she has a chance for her first win of the season and 8th career victory, two months after winning the Pelican Women’s Championship last November. Brooke Henderson (Canada) surged with a 4-under par round to jump to 4th place, 2 strokes behind (11-under par 205). Yuka Saso (Japan) also lowered her score by 4 strokes, rising to 5th place (10-under par 206). C?line Boutier (France) is in 6th place (9-under par 207).

Defending champion Jessica Korda (USA) failed to reduce her score and slipped to a tie for 7th place. From Korea, Kim Ah-rim (27, SBI Savings Bank) is tied for 18th place (1-under par 217), Park Hee-young (35, Isu Group) tied for 25th place (8-over par 224), and Lee Mi-rim (32, NH Investment & Securities) is at the bottom in 29th place (19-over par 235). ‘Former Golf Queen’ Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) leads the celebrity category with 104 points. Former Major League pitcher Derek Law (USA) is second with 102 points, 2 points behind.