'Course Record' Kim Suji Leads Alone at Park Seri Invitational

In 2nd Round, Lee Yewon Leads by One Stroke at 9 Under with 10 Birdies
Kim Hyoju Aims for Comeback Win from Tied 4th, 3 Strokes Behind on Final Day

Kim Suji rejoices after making a birdie.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Tae-won Choi] Kim Su-ji (26) set a course record and topped the leaderboard.

On the 24th, Kim Su-ji recorded a 9-under-par 63 in the second round of the KLPGA Tour OK Financial Group Park Se-ri Invitational (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at Serenity Country Club (par 72) in Cheongju, Chungbuk. With a total score of 9-under-par 135, she is the sole leader.

The 63 strokes is a new course record, one stroke better than the previous record of 64 set by Lee Ye-won (19) in the second round of last year's tournament.

Starting her round at the 10th hole, Kim Su-ji made a birdie on the very first hole. She continued her birdie streak, making 10 birdies in this round alone. Although a bogey on the first hole of the back nine, the 1st hole (par 4), was a blemish, it was not enough to prevent her from claiming the top spot on the leaderboard.

This season, Kim Su-ji has consistently performed within the winning range, ranking 4th in average score, 5th in prize money ranking, and 4th in points for the Player of the Year, yet she has not secured a victory.

Kim Su-ji said, "I didn't think about the course record at all. After finishing the round, I was really happy to hear that I had broken the course record." She added, "I regret missing about three birdie opportunities. Since I haven't won yet this season, I plan to play aggressively tomorrow."

Rising star Lee Ye-won also delivered a performance comparable to Kim Su-ji. She recorded 7 birdies and 1 bogey for a 6-under-par 66. She finished in second place, just one stroke behind Kim Su-ji.

Lee Ye-won said, "I was confident because my shots were good during practice. When the chance came, my putting followed well, so I didn't miss the opportunity." She expressed confidence, saying, "If I can maintain my shot feel without getting nervous like today, I think good results will come."

Kim Hee-ji (21), who reduced her score by 4 strokes, rose to 3rd place (7-under-par 137).

Defending champion Kim Hyo-joo (27) shot 3-under-par 69 to join the competition for the title, tied for 4th place (6-under-par 138). Lim Hee-jung (22) also shot 4-under-par 68 and rose to a tie for 4th place alongside Kim Hyo-joo.