Imhyang Lee and Arim Kim "Evenpar Quiet Start"... '6 Shots Behind the Leader'

ISPS Handa World Invitational Day 1: Tied 48th, Doherty Leads, Hong Yae-eun Tied 104th 'Struggles'

Imi-hyang

[Asia Economy Reporter Tae-won Choi] Im Mihyang (29) and Kim Arim (27) had a quiet start.

On the 11th (local time), at Massereene GC (par 72, 6,517 yards) in Antrim, Northern Ireland, during the first round of the LPGA Tour ISPS Handa World Invitational (total prize money $1.5 million), they failed to reduce their scores and tied for 48th place (even par 72). They are 6 strokes behind the leader Amanda Doherty (USA), who is at 6-under par, so the possibility of winning is still open. Leona Maguire (Ireland) and Georgia Hall (England) are tied for 2nd place at 5-under par.

Im Mihyang recorded 3 birdies and 3 bogeys. She struggled in the front nine but made a comeback in the back nine, keeping her hopes for victory alive. Im made bogeys on holes 1 and 5 (both par 4) and hole 8 (par 3), but secured consecutive birdies on holes 10 (par 5), 15, and 18 (both par 4). Kim Arim exchanged 2 birdies for 2 bogeys. Hong Ye-eun (20) struggled, finishing tied for 104th at 4-over par.

The players alternate between Massereene GC and Galgorm Castle GC (par 73, 6,621 yards) for the first and second rounds. The third and fourth rounds are held only at Galgorm Castle GC. Among the 132 participants, the top 60 after the second round and the top 35 after the third round advance to the next rounds. This tournament is held concurrently with the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) at the same course and period. The men's tournament has the same name and total prize money. Only the course length is longer for the men's event.