A big hit: South Korean Choi Hye-jin in action during the first tee off in the first round of LPGA Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Thursday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: South Korea's Choi Hye-jin made a strong statement, putting up a flawless eight-under 64 to seize the first round lead at the US$3 million (RM12.6 million) Maybank Championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
The 26-year-old did not let the humid weather conditions got in her way as she put up a bogey free round highlighted by an eagle at the par-five third hole and a superb birdie chip on the 18th for a one stroke lead at the top.
Hye-jin, who is still searching for a breakthrough win on the LPGA Tour, said she made some good recovery shots, which helped her to finish on top of the leaderboard.
"Overall, it was a really good day. I had some missed shots but I did really good par saves.
"I had a lot of situations which I could make bogeys because of rough and hazardous conditions but I made a lot of good pars," said Hye-jin, who posted eight top 10 finishes so far this year.
Ranked world No. 21, Hye Jin has built a reputation as one of the most consistent ball strikers on the LPGA Tour.
With temperatures soaring high this week, the South Korean admitted that managing energy will be the key in the days ahead.
"I'm just thinking about two things (instead of the heat). First is to have a short practice and long rest. I'm going to eat well and rest well.
"This is my fifth tournament (Kroger Queen City Championship, Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Lotte Championship, Buick LPGA Shanghai and BMW Ladies Championship) in a row, so I really have to maintain my energy."
And her mindset going into the second round?
"I'm going to start over and not really think about my score and just try my best."
Hot on the Korean's heels are Scotland's soon-mum-to-be Gemma Dryburgh and Italy's Benedetta Moresco, both firing a seven-under to sit one shot out of the lead.
Dryburgh fired a similar phenomenal bogey free round of seven-under 65.
The humid and hot weather was much different from her native Scotland but the place in the United States where she resides - New Orleans — helped prepare Dryburgh for the conditions.
"Yes, it was very different from Scotland but living where I do now helped me on a day like today.
"I like how the greens are kind of similar to where I play in New Orleans, grainy. So it kind of suits my eye but not the heat," said the world No. 196th ranked golfer.
On how Drysburgh copes with the heat, the Scottish golfer who tied for sixth in the inaugural edition in 2023, said it is very important to conserve the energy when you can and stand in the shade as much as possible.
"I also got a little ice pack that I fill up out there, just dabbing my face. I've got the umbrella up as well, just keeping in the shade as much as possible. Conserving energy when you can is going to be key this week."
Off the course, the 31-year-old had even more reason to smile after revealing she is expecting her first child in December.
"A little one on the way on Christmas Eve," said Dryburgh with a laugh.
"It's going to change my life considerably but I'm really looking forward to it. The other moms on tour have been so kind, and I've picked their brains a lot about what it's like."
Italian golfer Moresco also sizzled under the Malaysian heat, going seven-under on her debut.
She made nine birdies but had two bogeys on her scorecard.
The 22-year-old is competing in her first season in the LPGA Tour and was all smiles after her impressive start.
"Everything were working pretty well. I drove it well off the tee, my iron shots were close and I holed some good putts. I think like what I kept telling myself out there was to keep trusting my feelings.
"I've been working hard and I have to put trust in that," said Moresco.
