Ko and Lee keep sponsor’s hopes alive at Hana Financial Group Championship
World stars sit three shots back after testing opening day in Incheon
Las Vegas - World No. 3 Lydia Ko and World No. 4 Minjee Lee opened with even-par 72s on Thursday at the Hana Financial Group Championship, three strokes behind leaders Park Hyejun and Lee Dayeon at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon.
Ko, a 23-time LPGA winner, dropped two shots in her opening three holes but recovered with birdies on the fourth and 13th to remain in the hunt. “The course was playing tough today, and it was a challenging setup,” she said. “Even when the pin was tucked away, I made a conscious decision to aim more for the centre of the green and just rely on my putting from there.”
The New Zealand star, who was born in Korea, added: “Winning our main sponsor’s tournament would be incredibly meaningful. For me, I’ve always dreamed of winning at least once in Korea — it would mean so much more than just another victory abroad.”
Lee, meanwhile, also endured a slow start with a bogey at the first before turning in 37. She steadied her round with five straight pars, then birdied the 15th to match Ko’s 72. “I didn’t really hit it all that well as I felt the pin positions were quite difficult and the wind made it even harder,” said the Australian. “If I can give myself a few more birdie opportunities and sharpen my iron play, then I would be a little happier.”
Now in its seventh edition, the Hana Financial Group Championship boasts the richest purse on the KLPGA Tour at KRW 1.5 billion, with KRW 270 million to the winner. No Hana-sponsored player has yet lifted the trophy, but Ko and Lee remain well-positioned to change that history this week.