Hyo Joo Kim made headlines at the Fortinet Founders Cup, finishing with an impressive round of 9-under 63. Her remarkable performance at Sharon Heights Golf Course in Menlo Park, California, included a final eagle on the par-5 18th hole, securing her a two-shot lead in the tournament. This event marks the first time the LPGA is hosted at this course.
Flawless Round and Strategic Play
Kim’s focus on avoiding bogeys was a key factor in her success. She expressed her satisfaction with a clean scorecard, stating, “I am just so satisfied I had no bogeys.” Despite facing some challenges early in the round, she managed to save par on those holes and concluded with an eagle. “I couldn’t see the hole from where I was, but people started cheering and then I heard a ‘Yeah!’ So I figured it went in,” she said.
Top Performers
Several other players also showcased their skills during the opening round. LPGA rookie Dongeun Lee also made a strong impression, scoring an eagle on the same closing hole and finishing with a 65. Polly Mack from Germany, who faced a double bogey on the par-5 10th, rebounded excellently to post a score of 66, tying with Jim Hee Im.
- Polly Mack’s performance highlighted her ability to hit fairways and greens consistently, leading to multiple birdie opportunities.
- She remarked, “Just had a lot of short birdie putts. Used most of them to my advantage.”
Other notable scores included Gaby Lopez, Gemma Dryburgh, and Nastasia Nadaud, who each carded a score of 68. They stood out in the tougher afternoon conditions.
Notable Rankings
Among the big names in women’s golf, Nelly Korda, who skipped earlier events due to cold weather, recorded a score of 70. Meanwhile, Jeeno Thitikul, the top-ranked player in women’s golf, finished with a 72. Maude-Aimee Leblanc from Sherbrooke, Quebec, ended the round tied for 27th at 2-under 70.
About the Fortinet Founders Cup
The Fortinet Founders Cup began as a tribute to the 13 founders of the LPGA and has evolved into a significant event in the tour’s calendar. First established in Arizona in 2011, it was played in Florida last year. This year’s tournament attracts eight of the top ten players in the women’s world rankings and is the first of four consecutive tournaments on the West Coast before the season’s first major.
As the competition progresses, Hyo Joo Kim’s lead sets an exciting stage for the following rounds at the Founders Cup.
