Sungjae Im leads but Smith recovers well to trail by one

Sungjae Im – photo Getty Images

Two time PGA Tour winner, Korean Sungjae Im, leads after day one of the 2022 Masters, the runner-up in 2020 producing five birdies and one eagle in his round of 67 to lead by one over the man he tied for second with in 2020, Australian Cameron Smith.

Im was also going well in round one of last year’s Masters before a horrendous quadruple bogey nine at the par five 15th saw him eventually miss the cut but he clearly has a comfort zone with the layout and suggested as much afterwards.

“It was great to have a great finish at my Masters debut, and because of that experience I feel comfortable when I come to Augusta,” said Im when asked to compare his performance today to two years ago when on debut.  I feel like I can play well here every time.

“My preparation stays the same for each tournament, but I felt like my driving game was not as up to par as what it used to be, so I worked on my driving, and today the key to a successful round was having good tee shots, so that worked well today.

“It’s a great memory that I’ll carry on with me. Just to finish runner-up here in the Masters is a feat that I really am proud of. But again, we’re only one day in. I’ve got three more days to play. I just want to keep this momentum going and try to finish well this week.”

Cameron Smith staged a remarkable recovery from a disconcerting start to his 2022 Masters, his round of 68 bookended by double bogeys at the 1st and 18th holes.

In between, however, there was much to get excited about as he produced eight birdies in twelve holes to reach 6 under for the day when he birdied the 16th and although a wild drive at the 18th led to a final double bogey, his rebound was a stunning recovery and leaves him alone in 2nd place heading into round two.

“Yeah, you know, to be honest, those couple of double bogeys really didn’t have too bad a shots in them, said Smith explaining the misadventures. It’s not like I was scratching it out of the trees. Got my second shot into a reasonable spot and just misjudged the wind on both wedges. Yeah, just left myself in a bit of a tough spot.

“I love this place. I know it presents plenty of birdies. I just really had to get in a groove. I hit a great drive down the second and went into the bunker, which again was quite frustrating, but after probably the fourth or fifth hole there, started getting on a bit of a trot and started seeing those good iron shots go pretty close.”

Smith was determined not to let the two double bogeys dominate the conversation and his mindset ahead of the next few rounds.

“I’ve moved on already. The less you guys bring it up, the less, the quicker I’ll forget about it. No, I’m done with it. I think the stuff in between was really nice, and yeah, just take the positives out of it.”

Smith trails the first-round leader, Sungjae Im by one shot and leads the Australians with Min Woo Lee and Marc Leishman the next best at 1 over, in 31st place and five behind Smith.

Lee’s effort on debut was impressive especially recovering from an opening bogey with three birdies in his next four holes although a double bogey at the 6th again had him on the back foot. He would lose his way through the middle of the round but a birdie at the 16th ensured an encouraging start to what will surely be a long term Masters career.

“Unbelievable,” said Lee when asked to describe the experience. “First round, I got it going early and just made a silly double on 6, but that’s Augusta National. It was pretty brutal towards the end. The course was tough, and I didn’t hit too good of shots, but I’m happy with my score. First time around, and I thought there was a lot of good things out there.”

Leishman, too, made a slow start and in fact was 2 over through 9 holes but finding the green in two at the dangerous 15th led to a birdie and he is not too far from the action heading into day two.

“It was definitely there for the taking,” said Leishman. “It was gettable. Greens after the rain last night were not quite what we were used to. I didn’t quite adjust to it. I felt like I hit it well enough to shoot a really good score.

“Yeah, looking forward to tomorrow. Got a morning tee time. Looks like the wind is going to be up, so I think experience will play a pretty big part tomorrow, and I have plenty of that around here, and playing in the wind as well.

I mean, even though it wasn’t the day I was after today, I’m upbeat about tomorrow and the rest of the week, so looking forward to it. We’ll try and rest up tonight and be ready to go tomorrow morning.”

Adam Scott made a nice start with a birdie at the 2nd but he struggled through the middle of the round before two late birdies saved the day and a round of 74.

Lucas Herbert was round in 74 and although not the start he was looking for a double bogey at the 12th made the round look worse than it perhaps was.

“It was pretty cool,” said Herbert of his first competitive round at the Masters. “It was just interesting to see how it all plays in the tournament. Yeah, just a very cool experience at the same time as being quite nice. Yeah, just get out there and play some golf around here and keep a scorecard in your pocket on some of these crazy greens and holes.

“I feel like I had the greens pretty well under control. The speed wasn’t great, but it sort of feels like the first time out here it’s very hard to get the greens, to figure out which way some of these putts are breaking. I feel like I picked a few putts, a few lines that were quite tricky, so I was pretty proud of that.

“Just proud of sort of battling away. I’m not too far away. I think 4 or 5-under might be leading now. You play well tomorrow morning, and you’re not that far away again. So I haven’t shot myself out of the tournament, I guess.”

Cameron Davis was round in 75 to be tied for 60th after round one. The score was not what he had hoped for but the experience was – and some.

“It’s been awesome, said the New South Welshman. “I’ve loved every second of it. The par three contest was a lot of fun. It was so fun to have all the family in there and actually play inside the ropes with everyone around again today, but the whole week has just been a dream come true for me.

“It’s just a matter of making sure that when I’m out there tomorrow, I’m just reading the greens the way they need to be read and just making sure the speed control is good, but I feel like tee to green it’s in a good place right now. It’s just seeing how that all turns up in the morning when it’s tournament time, but the prep has been good. I’m happy with where I am and what I’ve done up to this point, yeah.”

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Tiger factor dominates as six Aussies prepare at Augusta

Even on Monday, huge crowds could not resist witnessing history – photo Sam Greenwood Masters

It was understandable that the hype surrounding Tiger Wood’s appearance or otherwise in this week’s Masters would dominate proceedings leading into the event and the crowds that flocked to witness a comeback equal to that of Ben Hogan following his life threatening injury in 1949 bore testament to that.

Monday’s practice round saw crowds up to twenty deep following Woods, Justin Thomas and Fred Couples and while there is yet no lay down guarantee that Woods will take his place in the field on Thursday, all the signs suggest it will be the case.

Woods indication in his Tuesday media conference gave every hope that his involvement in the tournament would be sealed although he has left the door open for a last minute withdrawal. If he feels that his leg, which has undergone a miraculous recovery since the near death accident 14 months ago, is not capable of handling the intensity of four rounds over one of golf’s more deceptively undulating layouts, he will withdraw.

“Well, as of right now, I feel like I am going to play, as of right now,” said Woods. “I’m going to play nine more holes tomorrow. My recovery has been good. I’ve been very excited about how I’ve recovered each and every day, and that’s been the challenge. That’s why I came up here and tested it out for 27 holes because we play the par-3 course. Charlie couldn’t help himself. I was able to play 27 holes that day and at home testing it.

“But it’s the recovery. How am I going to get all the swelling out and recover for the next day. My team has been fantastic and worked very hard. So we’ve got another day of nine more holes and then – game time.”

While Woods mania prevailed, six Australians, three of them debutantes, were going through their paces as they prepared for one of the game’s most eagerly anticipated weeks.

Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, Min Woo Lee and Cameron Davis represent Australia’s challenge for a second Masters title for their country, Adam Scott’s dramatic playoff win in 2013 giving hope that the seemingly impossible is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Jason Day is not in this year’s field having been unable to play his way into the field but his runner-up finish on debut in 2011 gives hope to those inexperienced at Augusta National that a great week is not beyond them.

Cameron Smith begins the event as the favourite amongst the Australians to do well, not only because of his current form which saw him prevail in the PGA Tour’s flagship event, The Players Championship three weeks ago, but because he and Augusta National seem to get along just fine.

Three top tens in five previous starts, including a 5th place in 2018 and a runner-up to Dustin Johnson in 2020, highlight the Queenslander’s capacity to negotiate his way around a golf course layout that requires imagination and the short game to back it up. Smith’s phenomenal run of par saves to keep himself in the mix in 2020 had to be seen to be believed.

“I think it (Augusta National) just allows me to be creative,” said Smith on Monday. “Reminds me a lot of home, the sand belt courses, kind of firm and fast. You know, you have to be smart around here, too.”

If he was to win this week Smith would become just the second player in history to win both the Players Championship and the Masters in the same year – not bad company.

“I mean, it’s a pretty good name to have yours up against, isn’t it, really. So I’m really looking forward to it. Course is magnificent. It’s as good as I’ve seen it. I really can’t wait for Thursday.”

Scott will play his 21st consecutive Masters, beginning with an impressive debut of his own when 9th in 2002 and highlighted by the historic win in 2013.

“I’m not a bookmaker, but I think I’ve been playing generally well, and I really like playing here,” said Scott when asked what odds he would be at if he was laying odds on his chances.

“I’m comfortable here. I’ve addressed a few things in my golf game that are moving in the right direction. At top level anything, it’s fine lines between contending, winning, and being one of the top players in the world. There’s no reason why, if I find a nice rhythm out on the golf course this week, I can’t be right there at the end on Sunday.”

Scott took time on Monday to show his fellow countryman and first time Masters entrant Min Woo Lee around but he reminded the press that he was not about to complicate the West Australian with information.

“No, far from it,” added Scott. “I told him I showed up here (on debut) didn’t know anything, and finished ninth. It’s not that hard. Just go out and play golf.

“I get it is an overwhelming experience being here. Today is the first kind of day of Masters week, and Min’s played a couple times already. It’s good. He’s got the next three days to kind of get comfortable, and that’s all I can really tell him to do.

“I don’t know his game, so that’s about it. He’s just got to figure a way to get comfortable for Thursday. I’d be surprised if he’s not the most nervous he’s ever been on the tee on Thursday.”


Adam Scott playing his 21st Masters and Min Woo Lee on debut practice on Monday – photo Sam Greenwood Masters 

Marc Leishman has also enjoyed some good results at the Masters, more especially in recent years although he did finish 4th behind Scott in 2013. His 5th place last year was also impressive and he arrives at Augusta National with solid if unspectacular form in 2022.

“Who knows if I will or not (win), but I just love the moment of when you’re here and you’re on that back nine on Sunday and you’ve got a chance to win,” said Leishman. “I feel like I thrive in that moment.

“I’ve played well in that position before, just haven’t played well enough to leave here with that green jacket. I enjoy it. I have fun with it, and I don’t put too much pressure on myself, and I think that’s important for me.

“My driving has improved a lot, which I think it had to to contend in these consistently. So I’m driving it, hitting it a little longer and a little straighter, which is always nice. Just all around it’s been good, my putting’s been good. My iron play is sort of the same as how it has been.

“Yeah, I’m excited about what could potentially happen this week, and hopefully I can play good and see how it goes.”

Lucas Herbert gets his chance courtesy of his world ranking and as a result of his win on the PGA Tour late last year. His progress in world golf over the last eighteen months has been staggering and he appears ready to take the next step.

Herbert’s recent 7th place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational suggests his game is in good shape and, as a player prepared to back himself against the highest level of the game, he may well surprise with a very good week.

Min Woo Lee is in the field as a result of finishing just inside the top 50 in the world at the end of 2021 and although he has now slipped to 59th he is one of the most exciting prospects for the future of Australian golf.

Lee’s form in PGA Tour events in 2022 has been well below his capabilities and he has a big task on debut here this week but he will feature in the years ahead especially with the experience he gains on debut.

Cameron Davis is in the field courtesy of his PGA Tour win in mid 2021 and the former World Amateur and Australian Open champion oozes class.

Davis began 2022 well when 10th at the Sentry Tournament of Champions but there has not been much to get excited about since and like Herbert and Lee, he will be better for the experience of a debut appearance at Augusta National.

“I’ve been out yesterday and today, and it’s so nice to see the course set up like this,” said Davis. “I had a hit a couple of weeks ago, and it was a little slow, but seeing it at tournament speed has really brought the course alive. It’s a lot of fun.”

If Davis gets nothing else out of the week, that he got to play with Tiger Woods in a practice round on Sunday is an experience he will never forget.

“Yeah, yesterday. He ended up behind me and just joined up with me because it was a little slow in front of us. Yeah, trying to pick his brain a little bit, but at the same time, just enjoying being in his presence. I’ve met him a couple times. It was the first time I’ve played any golf with him.

“That was an enjoyable first go round here tournament week. No fans or anything, just quiet. I hit with Tiger. It was nice.”

In summary, Smith, Scott and Leishman all have a chance of contending on Sunday with Smith’s Augusta National record and his current form making him the best chance of the Australians, on paper at least. Herbert appears the best of the Australian debutantes.

The iconic 13th hole earlier this week – photo Sam Greenwood Masters

 

 

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Hannah Green stages comeback but Kupcho breaks through

Jennifer Kupcho – her first LPGA Tour tile a major- photo Harry How Getty Images / LPGA

Hannah Green has staged an impressive weekend at the opening major event of the LPGA Tour’s year, the Chevron Championship, and finished in a share of 8th in the final staging of the event at its long standing traditional home of Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.

Green produced one of the better final 36 holes in the event to come from seven shots off the 36 hole pace and although she still finished six behind the winner Jennifer Kupcho she passed several of the game’s best to finish as the leading Australasian.

It was Green’s best finish in now five starts in the event, which was being played for the final time at Mission Hills before heading to Houston and a new venue next year.

Minjee Lee lost ground after sharing the lead through the opening round and finished 12th, while Lydia Ko and Gabi Ruffels shared 25th.

For the winner, Kupcho, it was her first LPGA Tour title and made it a memorable first win given it was a major title.

Kupcho began the final round with a six shot lead but Jessic Korda, who was ailed by a back strain for much of her final round, applied as much pressure as she was able and Kupcho struggled to the winning post with four bogeys in her last six holes.

“Honestly, I came out just trying to shoot a couple under,” said the winner. “I mean, I had a six-stroke lead and I shot 8-under yesterday, so I figured if someone can do that, then they deserve to be in a playoff.

“That was my mentality and what I was fighting for all day. Obviously didn’t get there, but still pulled it out.

“I think I’ve matured a lot in the last year, and even since I’ve been out here. But I think my putting has got a lot better. I’ve been able to calm myself down a lot better.

“Obviously I still have my spurts of anger, but I think that’s how I get it out quickly and then move on. I think my whole mental game has gotten stronger.”

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Matt Jones falls just short of a return to Augusta National

Matt Jones – file photo

Eight years ago, US based Sydney golfer Matt Jones won the Houston Open and earned a spot at the Masters the following week for the first time.

Today, Jones almost earned the right to again play next week’s Masters when he reeled off a stunning weekend at the 2022 version of the Valero Texas Open, failing by just two shots to catch the winner, J.J. Spaun who won his first PGA Tour event despite a double bogey at his first hole.

This time it is Spaun who gets to debut at the Masters next week.

For two time Australian Open Champion Jones, however, despite not winning, he earns a cheque for US$765,000 and while he will not get to play the Masters this year, his game is back after a tough run of events since his 3rd place finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions earlier this year.

“It was a good weekend. I had a good round going Thursday and let it slip, and then Friday I just played poorly and made a couple of mistakes and those mistakes are what cost golf tournaments out on this tour because everyone’s so good. Yeah, played great today, had a great playing partner, great group, so it’s always enjoyable.”

Aaron Baddeley produced one of his best finishes in several seasons on the PGA Tour when he tied for 18th.

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Alker waltzes to second PGA Tour Champions title

Steve Alker – file photo

New Zealand’s Steve Alker not only consolidated his one shot 36-hole lead at the Rapiscan Systems Classic in Biloxi, Mississippi but converted that lead into a six-shot victory to claim his second title on the PGA Tour Champions title.

A final round bogey free 65, followed his record equaling 62 on Saturday, a back nine of 31 today ensuring the final few holes were played in the knowledge that the victory and the US$240,000 were all but assured.

“It’s hard to work out the formula, to be honest, but I felt my game was pretty good coming in,” said Alker when asked about the margin of the victory.

“I got off to a little bit of a slow start (on Friday), but yesterday was amazing. I just turned my putting around and it clicked and I started hitting the ball better. It always nice when the week just gets better and better. It got really better quick, so it was great. Glad to be champion.”

When asked what the second win means to him Alker responded; “It’s huge, number two. I got one and it’s like, okay, how long is it going to be, you know. Just keep working at it. So it’s happened pretty quick and, as I said, my game just got better as the week went on. And putting was great and everything here was great, just kind of fit my eye, a lot of tee shots fit my eye. So as I said, worked out well.

“I think the atmosphere change has been huge for me,” added the winner when asked about the huge change in his fortunes in the last eight months. “ Just enjoying my golf more and my game’s come around at the right time. A lot of work has been put in and I just kept playing and plugging away on the Korn Ferry, so lots owed to them. Just keeping my game in shape, stayed fit and enjoy being out here, that’s the big thing.”

Alker will move to second on the Charles Schwab Championship standings with only Miguel Angel and Retief Goosen ahead of him after five events.

David McKenzie produced his best finished since August last year when he tied for 8th earning close to US$50,000 for his effort.

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Below – Alker sets up one final birdie at today’s final hole – supplied caption wrong

 

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Josh Geary inaugural winner of Millbrook Classic

Josh Geary – inaugural winner of Millbrook Classic and the Sir Bob Charles trophy – photo Millbrook Tournaments

With the New Zealand Open postponed by the Covid virus for the second consecutive year, the decision to stage a lesser event to give many of those players, both amateur and professional, who would otherwise have been competing in one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour of Australasia this week, the chance to again enjoy tournament competition and the hospitality of the event and the region.

The initiative would have two benefits. Tournament starved New Zealand professionals would get the chance to compete in a NZ$150,000 event and the newly opened Greg Turner designed nine holes at the Millbrook Resort near Queenstown would be exposed to a wider audience for the first occasion.

The two day event brought together 28 professionals who were joined by 28 amateurs in the pro-am
and was eventually won by Josh Geary whose second round of 63 established a new course record over the revised tournament course and earned him a two shot victory over Masterton’s Kerry Mountcastle .

Another two shots back were Queenstown based Ben Campbell and Ryan Fox, Fox of course now a two-time DP World Tour winner, one of which was in the UAE earlier this year.

“I got off to a fast start today, I think I was three-under through four, but Kerry was four-under through four,” said Geary. “We sort of fed off each other a bit and just kept hitting really solid shots, and then all of a sudden I was five-under through nine, so I just had to keep it going for the rest of the round.

“I had one really poor shot on the back-nine and had it way up on the bank but managed to make a very good save, which kicked the momentum up. And then I had some quality iron shots on the last three holes and looked up, and I was in front.”

Perhaps the best line in terms of the benefit of the event came from Mountcastle, who like many other in the field has been starved of tournament opportunities in the last two years as he looks to establish a professional career.

“It was great to be playing tournament golf and get the blood pumping again. All of us professionals are so thankful to the team who have put on the Millbrook Classic. This has given me the opportunity to be a bit more comfortable when I head to the UK for the Clutch Pro Tour,” said Mountcastle.

Part of the new nine at Millbrook Resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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McKinney and Xu Australian Amateur Champions

McKinney and Xu enjoying their spoils – photo Golf Australia

Article Golf Australia

Connor McKinney did it the hard way and Fiona Xu was in cruise control, nevertheless they have both joined a prestigious list of names who proudly call themselves Australian Amateur champions.

New Zealander Xu had little interest in theatrics as she went wire-to-wire, while West Australian McKinney won by holing a 25-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole that had the crowd at Cranbourne Golf Club, and himself, in raptures.

McKinney could not be separated from South Australian Jack Buchanan and New Zealander James Hydes at ten-under after 72 holes and it looked likely that he had let his chance at victory slip on his first time on the 18th green for the day.

The 20-year-old – who calls Joondalup Golf Club home after his family moved to Australia from Fyfe in Scotland when he was 13 – had the chance to enter the lead on his 72nd hole of the tournament but he was unable to grasp it. His chip from the back of the green looked in for all money before his par putt lipped out.

He was left to agonisingly watch his rivals come in and then he had to immediately pick himself up and implement his learnings from that previous hole.

“I was a little flat but I knew there was a good chance I would get into a playoff. You’ve got to regroup and move forward,” he said.

“I went to the practice green, hit a few putts and put some music on. It was pretty relaxed.”

Heading to the 18th tee, he decided on a different approach. He opted for 3-wood off the tee after his drive on the previous occasion had run through the fairway and into the rough.

It proved to be a wise choice as he found the fairway and then hit the green when his rivals missed.

The biggest test of all was next however, the putt for the win.

“I had a shorter and similar putt in regulation which I missed but I knew the line the second time around even though I was a bit further. I was pretty confident with it and it dropped,” McKinney recalled of his walk-off victory securing putt – watch it here.

McKinney’s confidence was also riding high after he secured a maiden win at the South Australian Amateur Classic.

“The floodgates have opened. I’m pretty confident on course at the moment and I can just let loose,” he said.

Xu is also brimming with confidence as she stands over every shot despite her softly spoken and shy demeanour.

The 17-year-old showed that she is a force to be reckoned with by stringing together rounds of 68, 65, 73 and 71 to finish 11-under par for the tournament.

She was in control for four days and the final round was no different as she stayed composed in the face of strong winds – that pushed scores higher across the whole field – to become the first New Zealander to win the Australian Amateur crown since her idol Lydia Ko in 2012.

“It’s a huge honour to win this tournament like Lydia Ko did. I am very honoured,” Xu said.

“The conditions weren’t too bad on the first nine. I was able to get a few birdies but the second nine was a bit tough. The wind was very strong but I was able to stay calm.”

The victory adds to her already impressive resume that boasts New Zealand Amateur and New Zealand U16 titles as well as runner-up finishes at the Rene Erichsen Salver and the Riversdale Cup in the lead up to this week.

She now returns home, but first she has some celebrations in mind.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my family but before I go home I’ll be going shopping,” she said with a laugh.

She may even have to check extra baggage on the home to fit in her latest piece of silverware and her shopping.

“I’ve got some space in my suitcase still available,” she again said with a laugh.

Queenslander Justice Bosio finished three shots back from Xu at eight-under par in an impressive effort from the teen star, and third place was shared by Victorian Keeley Marx and New South Wales’ Kelsey Bennett at two-under.

McKinney and Xu also become the first Australian Amateur winners in history to take home a cheque following changes to the R&A’s rules on amateur prize money. The pair each pocketed $1,350 for their efforts.

Final men’s leaderboard

Final women’s leaderboard

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The roll continues for Steve Alker

Alker – file photo – photo PGA Tour Getty

New Zealand’s Steve Alker has already made a significant statement in his seven months on the PGA Tour Champions but tomorrow he might build on his already outstanding record.

Alker added a second round of 62 at the Rapiscan Systems Classic in Biloxi, Mississippi and now has the 36 hole lead in the 54 hole event.

Alker leads by one over Bob Estes with Paul Broadhurst and Retief Goosen another two shots back.

Alker’s 10 under par round today was bogey free and continues a remarkable run which has seen him finish inside the top ten in 11 of his 14 starts in the over 50’s tour including a win a two runner-up finishes.

His score bettered the previous record at the held by Fred Couples at the Grand Bear Golf Club.

“Sure, yeah, it’s huge. I mean, I think Freddie Couples had it, Billy just told me, he had it before, so it’s always nice to get it,” said Alker when asked about setting a new record.

“You never know at the start of the day kind of shooting for 62, you just try to go out and do your best and stay aggressive and make some birdies because you know the guys behind are going to make a few as well.”

When asked as a player with only limited success on the PGA Tour if he felt he had a point to prove Alker responded;

“These guys are legends. I’m not a legend. I’ve just got to — I’m still in awe at times with playing with guys. I played with Padraig yesterday, I haven’t played with him before as much as I played Europe. Yeah, and these guys can still play, so you know you’ve got to get out and do your stuff. Yeah, it’s great playing with these guys and just being amongst them, that’s the big thing.”

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Lee and Ruffels remain in touch at Chevron Championship

Minjee Lee has lost the lead she shared after day one of the Chevron Championship, but at the halfway mark of the opening major championship of the year, the West Australian is just four shots from the lead held by Japan’s Hinako Shibuno and in a share of 9th place.

Also in 9th place is Lee’s fellow Australian, Gabi Ruffels, who added a round of 71 to her opening 68 to be the joint leading Australian with Lee at 5 under.

Lee began her round well with a birdie at the 2nd but almost inexplicably she would drop five shots in the next six holes to slip well down the leaderboard but she recovered well with four birdies in her last eleven holes to get within touch heading into the weekend.

Ruffels began with a bogey after her encouraging 4 under yesterday but she bounced back from that shaky start to again be in contention over the weekend in this event. Ruffels has been 19th and 15th in her only two previous starts at Mission Hills

Ruffels was asked about just what expectations she has of herself and how best she manages them. “I have expectations, and it’s just learning to manage them that is the big thing.

“It’s just you can have expectations, but you can’t really control the outcome. You just, you know, if you can look at yourself in the mirror day by day and know you’ve done your best, that’s all you can do.

“I feel like I’m hitting it well. Feel like I’m playing well, hitting my lines, and enjoying the time out here with my caddie.

“I feel like every day I’m learning a little bit more about this course and getting more comfortable out here, so, yeah, I’m excited for the weekend.”

Shibuno, a previous Women’s British Open winner, leads the event at 9 under, one ahead of defending champion Patty Tavatanakit, Jennifer Kupcho and Annie Park.

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko is tied for 20th at 3 under, with Hannah Green at 2 under.

Su Oh and Sarah Kemp will have the weekend off.

 

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Lee, Ko and Ruffels start well at season’s first major

Minjee Lee – She might not have looked happy but she had every reason to be – photo Harry How Getty

Minjee Lee has made a fine start to female golf’s opening major of the year, the newly named Chevron Championship at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage in California.

Lee’s opening round of 66 has her in a share of the lead with one of the game’s brightest young prospects Jennifer Kupcho.

Lee won her first major at the Evian Championship last year, but she is determined to build on that milestone.

“I know I have one under my belt, but I do want a little bit more, she said after her round today. “So, yeah, I just think I have a little bit more belief in myself and my game so I can be a little bit more comfortable just hitting the shots that I choose.”

With prizemoney increased from US$3.1 million to US$5 million this year and the prospect of a new venue in Houston, the event has taken on a new stature amongst the majors and a win this week will not only assist the bank balance but the standing of a player in the game.

US based Victorian, Gabi Ruffels, playing in the event because of her top twenty finish in 2021, compiled an afternoon round of 4 under 68 to be tied in 4th with former winner and New Zealander Lydia Ko.

“Yeah, definitely a good round, nice start,” said Ruffels. “I was excited to come back here after last year here. I feel like I’m a local. My parents live 20 minutes away, so, yeah, I love it out here.

Ruffels does not enjoy LPGA Tour status at present and is playing the Futures Tour after missing out on retaining her LPGA Tour card last December. The former winner and runner-up in the US Women’s Amateur Championship is a significant talent and another good week here will assist her in her quest to get back to the big time.

“It was different. “I’ve played the past three years. This is my third year. This is the first year with fans so that birdie on 18, that was pretty cool to have fans cheering and clapping. I haven’t really experienced that before, so it’s cool. And feels like kind of a home event, so it’s, yeah, even more fun.”

Gabi Ruffels – file photo USPGA

Ko, won this event in 2016 and also finished runner-up last year so she knows her way around the Mission Hills layout.

“I played really solid overall,” said the New Zealander. “When I missed a green I was able to make up and down for most parts, and when I did miss a fairway I was able to recover well with the second shot or third shot coming in.

“Overall, I think a lot of positives to take from today. On my back nine there were a couple putts that shoulda, coulda, woulda gone in but didn’t. I feel like that’s the case in any round.

“I know the afternoon is normally breezy and it picked up in on the back nine for us. It wasn’t playing super easy out there. Yeah, I’m happy with the start.

“Obviously, this is our last year here at Mission Hills, so the local fans — I saw a sign that said, We will miss you guys, miss the LPGA. You know, there has been a lot of history here, so we will miss them, too.”

Hannah Green recorded a round of 70 to be tied for 16th, Sarah Kemp a 73 and Su Oh a round of 74.

 

Lydia Ko – LPGA Getty

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