Grace Kim's stellar performance at the LPGA Los Angeles Championship on Thursday saw her clinch a one-shot lead with a seven-under-par 64, marked by an impressive tally of seven birdies.
Despite the pressure, Kim sealed her round at Wilshire Country Club with a remarkable birdie on the 18th, leaving spectators in awe.
Reflecting on her game, Kim remarked on the unexpected highlight of her tee shot mishap turning into a chip-in birdie, labelling it "pretty cool." Despite this excitement, Kim noted that her day was predominantly smooth, with numerous opportunities for birdies created by her accurate shots and solid performance on the fairways.
Joining Kim at the top, Sweden's Maja Stark showcased her resilience, playing without a bogey and capitalising on birdie opportunities, despite battling fatigue from her recent runner-up finish at the Chevron Championship. Stark's determination was evident as she navigated the course, focusing on essential practice to stay competitive.
Meanwhile, the absence of world number one Nelly Korda, who withdrew from the event to recuperate after her remarkable victory at the Chevron Championship, provided an opportunity for contenders like Kim to shine. Drawing from lessons learned from previous tournaments, Kim emphasised a simplified mental approach that proved effective in her outstanding performance.
Chanettee Wannasaen was also impressed with her seven-birdie round, momentarily sharing the second spot before a lone bogey at the 16th. South Korean Kim Sei-young's late charge, fueled by six birdies, showcased her prowess as she climbed up the leaderboard with a strong finish.
The competition remained fierce, with American Auston Kim, South Korean Ryu Hae-ran, and Russian Nataliya Guseva trailing closely, just two shots behind the leader. Defending champion Hannah Green, alongside Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines and South Korean Amy Yang, remained within striking distance, poised to challenge for the title.
