"It's a waste of 59 shots of dreams." Lydia Ko's 60 strokes, "Lowest career shot" → 1R lead alone... "Trying to win for 2 consecutive weeks." Kim Hyo-joo is in second place [LPGA]

*This content was translated by AI.

Korean New Zealander Lydia Ko (29) led the way with an overwhelming shot from the first day of the Ford Championship (total prize money of $2.25 million) of the LPGA Tour.

In the first round of the tournament held at Willwind Golf Club (par 72) in Chandler, Arizona on the 27th (Korea time), Ko recorded 12-under 60 strokes with 12 birdies without a bogey.

It was a tremendous birdie march, just one stroke short of the 50-stroke mark. It was also Lydia Ko's best career record.

Ko, who started at the 10th hole (par 3), made four consecutive birdies to the 13th hole (par 4), marking a good start. He also reduced the number of pars in succession in the 16th and 17th holes (par 4) and 5th holes (par 5), and made birdies in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th holes (par 4) in the second half.

In particular, it was crucial to drop difficult putts on the sixth and eighth holes. According to the Associated Press, Lydia Ko said, "I think it's the first time I've started with birdies for four consecutive holes. I was happy to continue until the second half using a good start," he said.

Lydia Ko, a living legend who has won 23 games in total, started in a good mood with fourth and fifth place in four tournaments this season, but has been sluggish since then, finishing tied for 27th and 56th.

However, this day marked a perfect beginning. The media said, "After replacing the putter on the cattail course at Wilwind Golf Club, we found the rhythm and caught birdies in a row to reverse the atmosphere." He said, "It's been a while since I used another model. I really liked Rowling. I put it in my bag on Tuesday. I've only used one round, but it's a good start. It's really perfect," he said, expressing satisfaction.

"Like all golfers, don't you think the worst can happen when things go well?" But I think the shot went well, keeping calm," said Lydia Ko, who played for 59 after making birdies at the 14th and 15th holes following her first four consecutive birdies. There was only one record under 60 shots in LPGA history 25 years ago, Anika Sorenstam.

In particular, it was regrettable that she missed a birdie putt of about 2m on the par-5 seventh hole, but Lydia Ko also said, "It would have been nice to put that putt in," but added, "But who knows." If you had that putt, you might not have been able to do the other two putts. I try not to think of 'what if'. I made a birdie even in an unexpected hole, so I think it's okay in the end."

Even 60 strokes is a surprising enough record. Ko was listed as the ninth player to record under 60.

Kim Hyo-joo (31, Lotte), who topped the Fortinet Founders Cup last week, was also strong. She had nine birdies and an eagle without a bogey, closely chasing Ko with an 11-under 61.

Kim Hyo-joo, who is also the defending champion, started the game at the 10th hole (par 3), made her first birdie at the 12th hole (par 5), and reduced the number of pars in succession to the 13th hole (par 4) and the 14th hole (par 4).

After that, he failed to add a birdie, but he got a birdie from the first hole (par 4) in the second half and chased Ko again with four consecutive birdies.

The lucky goddess also smiled at Kim Hyo-joo, who added a birdie at the seventh hole (par 5). He even caught a shot at the par-4 eighth hole. Kim Hyo-joo, who also added a birdie on the last 9th hole (par 4) to reduce eight pars in the second half alone, will start the second round in second place.

Nelly Koda of the U.S., who has already won the title and finished second one by one this season, ranked third with a 9-under 63, including an eagle at the 18th hole.

Meanwhile, Lee So-mi (27), Yoo Hae-ran (25), and Annarin (31) tied for 10th with a 6-under 66, while Yoon Na-na tied for 22nd with a 5-under 67 with Jenny Shin.

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*This content was translated by AI.