World No. 1 Ataya Titikkun (Thailand) took the lead on the first day of the Hanwha Classic.
On the 24th, the third major tournament of the Korean Women’s Professional Golf (KLPGA) 섯다 tour held at the Jade Palace Golf Club (par 72/6777 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Hanwha Classic (total prize money 1.7 billion won, prize money 306 million won) 1 In the round, he tied 5 birdies and 1 bogey and shot a 4 under par 68.
As of 3:00 p.m., when the afternoon group game is still in progress, Titikkun is leading by one stroke ahead of second-place Yunji Jeong (3 under par, 69 strokes).
Tikkun is a world-class player who won the Rookie of the Year award by sweeping two wins on the LPGA Tour last year.
He was once ranked No. 1 in the world, and currently sits at No. 12. He has not yet won a championship this year, but has been performing consistently, recording eight top-ten finishes.
Titkkun, who finished 6th in the BMW Ladies Championship, an LPGA tour event held in Korea last year, had a fresh start on her long-awaited outing to Korea.
Titikkun, who started from the 10th hole that day, had a good start with a birdie after a fantastic second shot at the 11th hole.
He was briefly shaken by a bogey on the 14th hole, but made up for it with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing the first half with one stroke less.
With momentum, Titikkun jumped into the race for the lead by recording consecutive birdies on holes 2 and 3. Afterwards, Titikkun, who continued his par march, finished the first round as the sole lead by making a birdie putt from a distance of about 4m on the last 18th hole.
At the post-game press conference, Titikkun said, “Playing in Korea is a pleasant experience and comfortable.
It’s my favorite country, so I was able to play happily and hit the ball well. I missed a few putts, but I think I did well overall.
He expressed his feelings after finishing the first round.
On this day, it rained continuously in Jade Palace from the morning.
Although the game had to be played in bad weather at Jade Palace, which is famous for its difficult course, the tee played unwaveringly.
I tried to focus on my shot.
I don’t think the result was bad,” he added.
Because the green was soft, it was easier than a practice round.
Titikkun also said, “Honestly, I think the course condition of the KLPGA is tough.
I think the pin position and rough are set up tough.
He also showed his affection for Korea.
I like Korean food, content and culture,” said Tikkun.
Finally, when asked about his strategy for the remaining rounds, the tee-taker said, “The most important point is to hit the ball on the fairway.