Somi Lee made a significant impact during the opening round of the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, with a remarkable performance that positioned her at the top of the leaderboard. The South Korean golfer shot an impressive 8-under 64, giving her a two-shot lead in the tournament, which features a lucrative $4 million prize for the winner.
Lee’s successful round was partly attributed to a recent adjustment in her putting grip, inspired by LPGA star Lydia Ko. “I just followed Lydia Ko’s putter grip because she’s a good player, and I thought, ‘Why not follow a good player’s putter grip?’ It worked really well,” Lee explained. This change appeared to pay dividends as she recorded only 27 putts during her round.
Lee capitalized on the warm conditions by opting for a 5-iron on the par-5 17th hole, which set her up for an eagle. Her only setback came with a three-putt bogey on the final hole, but she still finished ahead of former U.S. Women’s Open champion Allisen Corpuz by two strokes.
Thitikul Contends for Player of the Year
Jeeno Thitikul, the current world number one and a strong contender for the LPGA Player of the Year title, also showcased her skills with a round of 67, including six birdies. Thitikul, who won the Tour Championship last year, holds a significant advantage in the player of the year race. She will secure the title unless Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, who opened with a score of 70, wins the tournament. Yamashita has had a successful season, highlighted by victories at both the Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship.
Despite battling a sore left wrist from a previous tournament, Thitikul expressed her excitement about competing at Tiburon Golf Club. “I think because we’re going to finish the season… this is our last tournament of the year, and then we just play like carefree,” she said. This mindset seems to enhance her performance, allowing her to focus on the game rather than the pressures of the season.
Other prominent players in contention include Jin Hee Im, Nasa Hataoka, and Sei-young Kim, all of whom finished tied for third with rounds of 67. Major champions Grace Kim and Minjee Lee also made their mark, both carding rounds of 68.
Challenges for Other Competitors
While Lee and Thitikul thrived, other players faced challenges. Nelly Korda, aiming to avoid a winless season after claiming seven titles last year, struggled with her putting and finished with a score of 71. Korda missed a crucial 3-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, a further blow to her hopes of regaining form.
Additionally, Lexi Thompson encountered difficulties after an early strong start. She faced setbacks on the par-5 17th when a poorly executed chip led to missed opportunities on both that hole and the 18th, resulting in a disappointing score of 70.
As the top 60 players in the LPGA season reached this final event, all eyes will be on the concluding rounds of the CME Group Tour Championship. With its record purse of $11 million, the stakes are high, and the excitement continues to build as players vie for the coveted title and significant financial rewards.
