▲ Yoon Ina
Yoon Ina has taken the solo lead on the first day of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the third major tournament of the LPGA Tour season.
In the first round held at Hazeltine National Golf Club (par 72) in Chaska, Minnesota, Yoon carded a 9-under 63, featuring nine birdies and no bogeys.
Setting a new personal best score since joining the LPGA Tour, Yoon finished two strokes ahead of Karis Davidson of Australia, who sits at 7-under 65.
Since joining the LPGA Tour last year, Yoon has competed in 11 tournaments this year, making the cut 10 times and securing four top-10 finishes, though she has yet to claim a victory.
Her best performance this year was a solo fourth-place finish at the JM Eagle LA Championship.
In her official post-round interview, Yoon said, "This is my first time shooting a 9-under on the LPGA Tour," adding, "I was so focused that I didn't even realize I had made nine birdies today."
Noting that both her shots and putting were in good form, she added, "There is still a long way to go, so I will process today's round well and plan for the remaining rounds."
Kim A-lim, the 2020 U.S. Women's Open champion, also positioned herself to contend for another major title, finishing in a tie for third at 5-under alongside Alexa Pano (U.S.) and Megan Khang (U.S.).
Choi Hye-jin tied for fifth at 4-under, while Yang Hee-young, the 2024 Women's PGA Championship winner, and LPGA Tour rookie Lee Dong-eun tied for eighth at 3-under, placing five South Korean players in the top 10 on the first day.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda (U.S.), who is aiming for her third consecutive major victory following wins at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women's Open, finished the first day tied for 19th at 2-under.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.