Choi’s bogey-free 64 opens a three-shot lead in Shanghai

Hye-Jin Choi opened the Buick LPGA Shanghai with a bogey-free 64 on Thursday, taking a three-shot lead after the completed first round at Sheshan Golf Club. Carlota Ciganda was second at five under following a 67.

Choi’s eight-under round combined eight birdies with repeated par saves. Lee Tae-dong’s report for The Chosun Daily counted 22 putts and six missed greens. That gives the score useful context: Choi kept the card clean even when she had work left around the putting surfaces.

She started on the 10th hole and made four birdies over her opening nine. Four more came consecutively at Nos. 2–5 after the turn. The LPGA’s official highlights include approaches, a tee shot and putts from that opening round.

Choi told The Chosun Daily that her physical condition had not felt perfect, but she was pleased with the par saves and the longer putts she made.

The 27-year-old is still seeking her first LPGA Tour victory. The Korean report identifies Shanghai as her 124th start and credits her with 33 previous top-10 finishes. The Associated Press report carried by the LPGA notes that she already has 12 victories in South Korea.

Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul shot 69 and was tied for seventh. Thitikul won this tournament in a five-hole playoff against Minami Katsu last year and arrived after winning the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii earlier this month.

Sheshan provides a new setting for this event. This is the sixth Buick LPGA Shanghai and its first edition at the club, which previously hosted the men’s HSBC Champions. Shanghai also begins a four-tournament Asian stretch that continues through South Korea, Malaysia and Japan.

The tournament runs through October 18. Thursday’s result gives Choi the opening lead, with three rounds still to play.

Sources

• LPGA: Buick Shanghai leaderboard
• LPGA / Associated Press: First-round report
• The Chosun Daily: Choi’s opening 64

Sources

LPGA: Buick Shanghai leaderboard · LPGA / Associated Press: First-round report · The Chosun Daily: Choi’s opening 64