▲ Yu Hae-ran
South Korean golfer Yu Hae-ran finished tied for 3rd place on the first day of the BMW Ladies Championship, the sole LPGA Tour event held in South Korea.
Playing the first round of the tournament at Pine Beach Golf Links (par 72) in Haenam-gun, South Jeolla Province, Yu shot a bogey-free round with 5 birdies for a 5-under-par.
Sitting just one stroke behind co-leaders Charis Davidson of Australia and Yurie Yoshida of Japan, who both shot 6-under-par, Yu secured a strong start in her pursuit of her third LPGA Tour win of the season.
Having claimed two major titles on the LPGA Tour this season, Yu is also within striking distance of the Vare Trophy, awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average on the tour.
Kim Hyo-joo and Yang Hee-young placed tied for 8th at 3-under-par.
Players competing on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour also had a smooth start on the opening day.
Kim Min-sun (Kim Min-sun 7) and Kim Min-joo, who each have two wins this season, finished at 3-under-par, tying for 8th alongside Kim Hyo-joo and Yang Hee-young.
Park Min-ji, Kim Min-sol, and Yoo Hyun-jo are tied for 18th alongside Jeon Ji-won at 2-under-par.
(Photo courtesy of BMW Ladies Championship Organizing Committee, Yonhap News)
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