Lydia Ko didn’t take long to put last week’s missed cut behind her Thursday at the Kia Classic.
She got off to her best start of the year.
With a 4-under-par 68, Ko finished the day in a tie for eighth, just two shots off the lead at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif.
“I would say I didn’t hit the ball fantastic, but just being able to hole some good birdie putts was key,” Ko said.
Ko scrambled her way to her low opening round of the year in light rain. She hit just seven of 14 fairways and 11 greens, but only needed 25 putts.
“This is a pretty tough golf course,” Ko said. ”I think putting is a huge key around this course, where if you do miss a green, making those clutch par putts and then making those birdie opportunities that you get.”
Full-field scores from the Kia Classic
Aviara’s poa annua greens have been known to give players fits, but Ko had her flatstick working. After making the turn at 1 over, she made five birdies on her second nine.
Ko, 20, won at Aviara two years ago but missed the cut there last year.
“I love Carlsbad,” Ko said “I would say it’s one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s nice to come back to a place where you’ve played well and love the area.”
Ko, seeking her first victory since July of 2016, has her new coach, Ted Oh, working with her in Carlsbad this week. Oh made the trip to Asia last month, helping Ko to her tie for 10th at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. But, she missed the cut in Phoenix last week in her next start.
“All I can do is try my best,” Ko said. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep this good momentum going.”
Source: Internet
