Japan’s Hana Wakimoto shot a bogey-free 9-under 63 on Thursday to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA’s Toto Classic.
South Korea’s Jin Young Ko is two off the pace after a 65 at Seta Golf Course. Four players carded 66s to be within three shots of Wakimoto: Linn Grant, Ayaka Furue, Hyo Joo Kim and Jenny Shin.
Wakimoto’s score tied the Seta course record. He hit 15 of 18 fairways and recorded his ninth birdie on his final hole for the best round of his career.
“Recently my hitting has been really good, so I was confident and I could attack the pins today,” said Wakimoto, who leads the field in long birdies (9) and is tied for the fewest putts in the first round.
Ko made one birdie during his first nine holes before sinking the next six to put himself in contention.
“I didn’t do anything on the front 9,” Ko said after his bogey-free round. “Yes, I played well in the back 9. I don’t know what happened, but I tried my best and I want to keep it. It’s been a while since I played a good score this year, so I’m very happy. .”
Australia’s Minjee Lee tied for seventh after a 67, while Canada’s Brooke Henderson shot a 70. Only eight players in the 78-player, undefeated field made the cut after the first round.
The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.
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