In the opening round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, Lim Kim took the lead with a remarkable performance, shooting a bogey-free, 7-under 65. The 29-year-old Kim, a two-time winner on the LGPA Tour, including the U.S. Women's Open in 2020, showcased her skills by birdieing three of her final five holes at Lake Nona, establishing a four-shot lead over her closest competitors.
Kim, a South Korean player with a home in Orlando, expressed her satisfaction with her game, stating, 'My shot is good. Putting it good. Everything is good. Cool.' Despite not practicing much leading up to the season opener and focusing on her body in January, Kim's performance on the course was a pleasant surprise to her.
Other notable performances in the tournament's opening round included Patty Tavatanakit and Jin Young Ko, who each shot 69. A group of players, including Rose Zhang, Yuka Saso, Hannah Green, and Celine Boutier, finished at 2 under. However, top-ranked Nelly Korda opened with a 71, while defending champion Lydia Ko struggled with missed putts and shot a 73.
Among the celebrity field, former major league pitcher Mark Mulder stood out, having been the winner of the tournament in 2017. The competition promises more excitement and stellar performances as it progresses.
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