7 Korean Sisters in the Top Ten
The Korea Corps attack at the Dupont Country Club has begun.
During the first round of the McDonald LPGA Championship ($1.6 million in prize money), held at the DuPont Country Club (par 71) in Wilmington, Delaware, the Korean players have put themselves in a good position to win their second major championship following Grace Parks win at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
The player who stood out the most was Gloria Park (24 years old, CJ corporations). She put the ball in the fairway in 14 of 18 holes (accuracy rate of 78 percent), and displayed her magnificent iron shot to record five birdies, one bogey and a final score of 4-under par at 67 strokes.
That put her one shot behind the leader Jennifer Rosales (Philippines, 5 under par at 66), for a tie in second place. To date, Parks best performance was coming in second place at the CJ Nine Bridge Classic after winning the Big Apple Classic in 2002.
Grace Park (Nike Golf) recorded six birdies and three bogies for 3-under par with 68 strokes, which put her tied for fifth place. Up until the 16th hole, she was the leader at 5-under par, but unfortunately had two bogies on the next two consecutive holes.
This is not the finish I wanted to have," Park said. She also stated, however, "Im still in a position to win, which reflected her self-confidence.
Pak Se-ri (CJ Corporation) had a smooth start after not making the cut-off for two consecutive tournaments and is tied for 8th place (2-under par with 69 strokes). Ahn Shi-hyun (Kolon Elord Co.), Kang, Shu-hyun (Astra Co.), Jeon Seol-ahn, and Moon Soo-yung were also all tied in 8th place after the first round, meaning that a total of seven Korean players are in the top ten.
The worlds best player, Annika Sorenstam (Sweden), was tied for 5th place (3-under par with 68 strokes) and Song Ar-ee (Bean Pole Golf Co.), Sorenstams partner during the tournament, scored an even par to put her tied in 31st place.
Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com
About Dong-A Ilbo