Ji Leads Phoenix Park Classic

Ji Eun-hee took the early lead on the first day of the Phoenix Park Classic of the KLPGA tour.

On May 2 at Phoenix Park GC (72 par) in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, Ji had nine birdies with only one bogey to post an 8-under 64. She is three strokes ahead of the runner-up Han Min-ji (ADT, 5-under 67).

She made her pro debut in 2004 but has yet to claim her first tour title. She sank five birdies in the first half before stumbling at the 12th hole (par 3) with three putts from 12m to make her first bogey. But she birdied the following three holes and again on No. 17 (par 5).

“This is my first real chance to win. My dad promised me to buy a car if I win. I hope to drive my own car,” said Ji, upon finishing the first round.

Shin Ji-ai (Hi-mart), last week’s champion at the MC Square Cup Crown CC Ladies Open and winner of five events last year, finished the first round in 13th place (2-under 70) with four birdies and two bogeys.

Park Hee-yeong (Isu Engineering and Construction) shared third place with a 4-under, 68. Choi Na-yeon (SK Telecom) and Ahn Seon-ju (Hi-mark) tied for 6th place (3-under, 69) along with Jeong Jae-eun, who made her pro debut this year after winning the gold medal at last year’s Doha Asian Games women’s golf team event.

kjs0123@donga.com