'In Top Form' Park Hyunkyung Leads Alone After 1st Round of KLPGA Tour Season Opener

A Perfect Performance with 7 Birdies Without a Preview

Park Hyun-kyung is checking the direction of the ball after her second shot on the 11th hole in the first round of the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women's Open.jpg
[Image source=KLPGA]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] Park Hyun-kyung took the solo lead in the first round of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour season opener.

On the 9th, Park Hyun-kyung shot 7-under-par 65 in the first round of the KLPGA Tour 2023 season Hana Financial Group Singapore Ladies Open (total prize money 1.1 million Singapore dollars) held at Tanamera Country Club Tampines Course (par 72) in Singapore.

Showing excellent form with seven birdies and no bogeys, Park Hyun-kyung finished the first day as the leader among players who played in the morning.

Park Hyun-kyung was one of the top players last season, making eight top-10 finishes without missing a cut and finishing as runner-up twice. However, despite good results, she showed a disappointing performance by not winning a trophy last season.

Determined and focused, Park Hyun-kyung started the 2023 season opener with fierce momentum, making a streak of birdies.

Starting at the 10th hole, she made her first birdie at the 13th hole (par 4), followed by consecutive birdies at the 17th (par 4) and 18th holes (par 5), and then reduced one stroke again at the 2nd hole (par 4).

After securing consecutive birdies at the 4th (par 4) and 5th holes (par 5) to take the lead, she added another birdie at the 8th hole (par 5) to finish the first round as the solo leader.

Park Hyun-kyung expressed satisfaction, saying, "My shot feeling was good today. I am satisfied because I achieved my goal of not making any bogeys."

Regarding the fact that she did not win last season, she said, "I just didn't have a win, but everything else was good. Of course, it's disappointing not to have a win, but I think I learned what I need to prepare more for this season. I believe a win will come at a more wonderful moment, and I am confident about that."

Meanwhile, Lee So-mi, who won two titles last season in Jeju, and Korean Women’s Open champion Lim Hee-jung recorded 5-under-par 67, forming the second-place group.