Unfazed Kim wrests control with solid 66, leads by 3

BACOLOD – Korea’s Seo Yun Kim shook off nerves and self-doubt to produce a steady, bogey-free 4-under-par 66 and grab a three-stroke lead in the opening round of the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge on Tuesday.

Battling softened fairways and extended holes due to recent rains, Kim thrived at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club with sharp ball-striking and consistent putting in the PHP 750,000 event on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

From her opening tee shot, Kim looked composed and focused, avoiding the mental lapses that have cost her in previous tournaments.

Her drives were precise, her irons well-controlled, and her short game in rhythm as she cruised to matching 33s for a bogey-free round.

“I just wanted to stay calm on the tee box. No pressure,” said Kim.

“There was no specific key to my game—I just practiced well and stayed in rhythm. I didn’t overthink.”

Kim’s round was highlighted by back-to-back birdies on Nos. 8 and 12, giving her a cushion that none of her challengers could match as she delivered a clinical, composed performance.

While her start surprised some of the tour’s veterans, Kim said she felt quietly confident after a fast front nine.

“I kind of expected I’d play well after getting three birdies in the first 12 holes,” she said.

“I just stayed focused all day and didn’t let my mind wander.”

It was a stark contrast to her near-miss at the LPGT season opener in Pradera Verde, where she staged a strong final-round rally but settled for a tie for second with Daniella Uy behind winner Sam Bruce.

With two rounds left, Kim is aiming to stay mentally sharp in pursuit of her first LPGT title.

“Nothing special, just more of the same focus and composure,” she added.

Tied for second at 69 were Kristine Fleetwood and defending champion Daniella Uy, both posting solid rounds with late recoveries.

Fleetwood opened with a sizzling 33 on the back nine, slipped with a double bogey on No. 4, but recovered with a birdie on the fifth to stay within reach.

Uy, meanwhile, clawed back from a 2-over card through 12 holes with a four-birdie burst in five holes starting at No. 13, though a bogey on 18 kept her from getting closer to the lead.

Sarah Ababa carded a 70 after a strong birdie-birdie finish, while Tiffany Lee and Pamela Mariano each finished with late birdies to salvage rounds of 71.

Among the pre-tournament favorites, it was a rough opening day.

Florence Bisera turned in a 72, while returning LPGT campaigner Pauline del Rosario struggled to a 73 alongside Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson.

Harmie Constantino faltered with a 74, tied with Kayla Nocum and Gretchen Villacencio, all trailing Kim by seven shots.

Despite the gap, the softened course conditions may yet allow for a shake-up in the standings, as seen in recent LPGT events like the Caliraya Springs leg where Princess Superal edged Ababa in a playoff.

But if Kim’s mental composure holds firm, the rest of the field could be chasing shadows.