▲ Ko Ji-won
Defending champion Ko Ji-won finished the first day tied for third place at the Korea Women's Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour S-OIL Championship.
Playing at Elysian Jeju Country Club in Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Ko shot a 4-under-par in the opening round, recording one eagle, five birdies, one bogey, and one double bogey.
She sits in a tie for third, two strokes behind solo leader Jung So-yi (6-under-par) and one stroke behind second-place Lee Yewon.
Starting her round on the 1st hole, Ko was even par through the 14th hole before picking up birdies on the 15th and 17th. On the final 18th hole (par 5), she capped off her round in thrilling fashion by holing her third shot for an eagle, finishing the first round on a high note.
Ko, who claimed her maiden victory at the Jeju Samdasoo Masters in August of last year and secured her second title at this very tournament in November of last year, made a strong start toward defending her title.
Jung So-yi, who is still seeking her first regular tour victory, shot a 6-under-par with nine birdies and three bogeys to take the sole lead by one stroke. Lee Yewon, who has 10 career wins including one this season, claimed sole second place at 5-under-par.
Gil Ye-ram, Yang Hyojin, Kim Nahyun, Seo Uh-jin, Lee Jihyun, and Sung Yu-jin joined Ko in a tie for third at 4-under-par.
Kim Min-sol, who leads the prize money rankings with three wins this season, struggled to an even-par round and is tied for 34th.
Seo Kyo-rim, who leads the tour in multiple wins (four), Player of the Year points, and scoring average, is not competing in this tournament.
The tournament features a total purse of 1 billion KRW and a winner's prize of 180 million KRW, running for four rounds through this coming Sunday, November 1.
(Photo: Provided by KLPGA)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.