Lee Gippeum "Marching Toward First Career Victory"... 6 Under Par Despite '38-Degree Fever'

Lee Gippeum Leads Hi One Resort Women's Open 1R by 1 Stroke
Yoo Hae-ran, Oh Ji-hyun, and 6 Others Tied for 2nd at 5 Under Par
'Domestic No. 1' Park Min-ji Tied for 16th, Defending Champion Lim Hee-jeong Tied for 78th

Lee Gippeum is teeing off at the 11th hole during the first round of the High1 Resort Women's Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Lee Gi-ppeum (28) is on the march toward her first career victory.

On the 18th, Lee Gi-ppeum shot 6-under par in the first round of the KLPGA Tour High1 Resort Women's Open (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at High1 Resort Country Club (par 72) in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province, taking the top spot on the leaderboard. She debuted on the KLPGA Tour in 2015 and has yet to win a tournament. Without a single bogey, she made one eagle and four birdies, laying the foundation for her first victory in her 139th KLPGA Tour event.

Lee Gi-ppeum reduced her score by two strokes in the front nine with birdies on the 2nd hole (par 4) and 5th hole (par 5), then added 'stepping stone birdies' on the 11th and 13th holes in the back nine. On the 17th hole (par 4), her second shot from 110 meters rolled into the hole for an eagle. Her 'piercing iron shots' stood out, missing the green only twice. Despite suffering from a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius the previous day and showing signs of poor condition that morning, she overcame the crisis well. Her score of 66 is the best she has recorded this season.

Lee Gi-ppeum said with a bright smile, "My father told me to withdraw, but my recent shot feel was good, so I couldn't give up," adding, "I'm glad I didn't withdraw." She continued, "I could have lowered my score more today, but I missed a few birdie putts narrowly," expressing her expectations by saying, "If I play steadily like today, I think I can achieve good results."

Six players, including 'Order of Merit leader' Yoo Hae-ran (21), Oh Ji-hyun (26), Lee Hyo-rin (25), Ahn Sun-ju (35), Heo Da-bin (24), and Go Ji-woo (20), are in a fierce chase at one stroke behind in a tie for second place (5-under par 67). 'Domestic No. 1' Park Min-ji (24) is tied for 16th place (2-under par 70). Two-time champion Cho Ah-yeon (22) is tied for 29th place (1-under par 71). Lim Hee-jeong (22), who is attempting to win the tournament for the third consecutive time, is struggling in a tie for 78th place (2-over par 74).