▲ Shin Da-in hitting an iron shot
Shin Da-in, the winner of last week's Korea Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour KG Ladies Open, continued her momentum by tying for the lead on the first day of the OK Savings Bank Utman Open this week.
Playing in the first round of the tournament held at Adonis Country Club in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, Shin shot 4-under-par with five birdies and one bogey, tying for the lead alongside Lee Yewon and Yang Hyojin.
Shin, who claimed her first career victory at the KG Ladies Open last year and secured her second career title with a consecutive win at this year's tournament, has laid the groundwork to challenge for back-to-back victories and her third career win.
Lee Yewon, who has 10 career regular tour wins, and rookie Yang Hyojin both started alongside Shin in a tie for the lead at 4-under-par.
Amateur prospect Oh Sumin, who is preparing to turn professional, shot 3-under-par on the first day to tie for 4th place alongside Ko Jiwoo and Han Jiwon. Kim Minseol, who has secured three wins this season and sits in 2nd place behind Seo Gyo-rim (4 wins) in major categories including multi-wins, prize money, Player of the Year points, and scoring average, placed tied for 7th at 2-under-par.
Seo Gyo-rim did not participate in this tournament due to wrist pain.
The tournament, offering a total purse of 1 billion won and a winner's prize of 180 million won, will run for three rounds through this coming Sunday (the 6th).
(Photo provided by KLPGA Tour, Yonhap News)
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