Hyo Joo Kim extends advantage to 4 strokes at Founders Cup
MENLO PARK, Calif. — Hyo Joo Kim extended her advantage to four strokes on Friday at the Fortinet Founders Cup, finishing a late afternoon surge with a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-3 eighth hole.
Following her eagle on the par-5 18th hole that led to a 9-under 63 and a two-stroke lead, Kim recorded a 70 during her afternoon round at the tree-lined Sharon Heights.
Gaby Lopez occupied second place at 7 under after shooting a 70 in the morning session, with top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda one shot further back.
Starting on the back nine Friday, Kim made bogeys on Nos. 11 and 17 but bounced back with birdies on 18, 1, 3, and 8.
“The golf course is a bit challenging,” Kim remarked. “The tee shots are difficult, and the layout of the course is somewhat tricky. I do my best to focus on what I need to accomplish.”
The South Korean golfer, currently ranked eighth in the world, claimed the 2015 Founders Cup in Phoenix, marking her second of seven LPGA Tour victories.
“It feels like a long time ago,” Kim reflected on her 2015 win. “I believe I won in my rookie year. It was an unforgettable experience as it was my first victory as an LPGA member.”
After finishing third last month in Thailand, Kim will defend her title next week in Arizona at the Ford Championship at Wild Horse Pass.
Lopez, hailing from Mexico, recorded three birdies on the front nine but lost a stroke on the par-4 16th hole.
Thitikul bounced back from an opening 72 with a 66 in the afternoon. She started with a bogey but then made birdies on five of the next seven holes. On the back nine, she added birdies on 12 and 18.
“You need to find the fairway first,” Thitikul stated. “Getting onto the fairway is crucial. The rough is tough.”
Korda, who missed the Asia swing after winning the season opener in Florida, shot a 68 in the morning to reach 6 under, finishing with late birdies on Nos. 7 and 8.
“It’s challenging. You really have to shape your shots out here,” Korda noted. “Some of the trees can be quite intimidating, and the greens are difficult as well. They are not only very undulated, but they can also be hard to read.”
Minjee Lee (70), Aditi Ashok (66), Karis Davidson (68), Hye-Jin Choi (70), and Jin Hee Im (72) also stood at 6 under. Lee concluded her round with a bogey after making four consecutive birdies.
“There are a few things to tidy up, but I believe I’m in a good position heading into the weekend,” Lee commented.
The tournament was established as a tribute to the 13 founders of the LPGA. It commenced in Arizona in 2011 and was the second event of the season last year, held in Florida. It has drawn eight of the top 10 players in the world rankings and marks the beginning of a four-tournament stretch in the West leading up to the first major of the year.
