Kim smashes course record

South Korean SooBin Kim shot a course-record 9-under 63 on Thursday to lead the Women's Australian Open by three shots.
She crushed the previous course record, a 66 by Australia's Nadina Taylor at an amateur event in September 2000.
The 22-year-old Kim had nine birdies and no dropped shots in smashing the course record in perfect conditions.
She is three shots ahead of American Casey Grice and Caroline Masson of Germany at six-under 66.
Defending champion and world number one Lydia Ko carded a two-under opening 70.
In an interview after her record breaking round the 256th ranked Kim said her putter was hot having only needed 26 putts for the day, hitting 16 of the 18 greens in regulation.
"I was just picking my line and rolling them in, let the ball do the rest," she said.
"My coach (Brian Jung) were joking around and saying 'let's make 20 birdies this week', and I said 'yeah, I like that idea, let's keep it rolling'."
Kim said that her good round had a lot to do with how hard she and her coach worked on her game during the off-season.
"I felt really confident, I spent a lot of time working on my swing and working on my putting, and spending time with your coach builds your confidence. I would say I was pretty ready for it, so (I'm) not surprised," she added.
Leading first round scores:
1. SooBin Kim -9, 63
T2. Caroline Masson -6, 66
T2. Casey Grice -6
T4. Catriona Matthew -5, 67
T4. Karrie Webb -5
T4. Hye Jin Choi (a) -5
T4. P.K. Kongkraphan -5
T4. Jenny Shin – 5
Latest
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.