Summary
Japanese golfer Minami Katsu shot a spectacular 11-under-par 61, setting a new course record at the Shanghai LPGA tournament. The performance gave her a two-shot lead heading into the second round. Katsu carded six birdies in the opening round, but suffered a bogey on the 10th hole. However, she bounced back with another six birdies at Qizhong Garden Golf Club to reach a two-round total of 13-under-par (131) as she seeks her first tour victory.
“It was a virtually flawless round; I had a couple of lucky shots, but overall it was very good,” Katsu said. “My previous best was 10 under, so today I set a new personal best.”
Despite her remarkable performance, Katsu insisted she wasn't thinking about records, but rather focused on her game. Her score surpassed the previous 18-hole record by one stroke, held by Sei Young Kim since last year. "I'm very happy with the record I set today," she added. "Obviously, there are still two days of play left, so there probably won't be any celebrations. I'll try to keep it simple."
Key details
Katsu also set the 36-hole scoring record. Ina Yoon, with a 68, placed second at 11 under par, one stroke ahead of Americans Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan, who shot 67.
Bae, who was battling for the lead at 13 under par in the final group heading into the 18th hole, had a difficult finish. He hit a bunker, took a drop shot hoping to improve his position, and then his next shot ended up in the water. He finished with a triple bogey 7, closing with a 69 in a mixed round that included eight birdies, two bogeys, and the triple bogey.
First-round leader Arpichaya Yubol shot a 71 and is tied for fifth at 9 under par, along with Somi Lee (67) and Jeeno Thitikul (70).
This event in Shanghai is the first of five tournaments scheduled in Asia. The following two weeks will include events in South Korea, including the International Crown team event, as well as other tournaments in Malaysia and Japan.
Last week, Youmin Hwang continued her incredible run on the LPGA, where each of the 25 official tournaments this year has had a different winner. Hwang became the sixth South Korean player to win on the LPGA this year.
