Fuelled by energy, Hye-jin and mum-to-be Gemma brave heat to lead pack

Show of grit: South Korea’s Choi Hye-jin in action during the first round of Maybank Championship. — 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$3mil (RM12.6mil) Maybank Cham­pionship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

The 26-year-old did not let the humid weather conditions get 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.

Gemma Dryburgh.

“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.

“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 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.

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.