Error-Free Ariya Shares Lead with Kang in Irabaki
World No 2 Ariya Jutanugarn produced an opening bogey free 66 to share a stroke lead with South Korean Soo-Yun Kang after the first round of the Toto Japan Classic in Ibaraki on Thursday.
After proceeding through seven holes without birdies, Ariya finally broke the ice on the eighth and went on to shoot scores at hole No 9, 10, 12, 17 and 18. She finished tied 43rd the prior week at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, her worst finish since at tied 44th at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G on June 24th.
"Last week I was a little bit off with my tee shot." Ariya said, "Today I just to be a little bit more positive and not think about last week and try to have more fun today."
As the 2016 season nears the finish line Ariya is battling Lydia Ko for several year-end awards but the 20-year-old from Thailand isn't letting that distract her from her game.
“Right now I am just trying to have fun and enjoy every shot I hit, that's all I want to do.” Ariya said following her round.
Soo-Yun Kang sees herself in a great position with 36-holes remaining after an impressive opening round 66. Kang felt very comfortable on the greens and it showed in her putting as she only needed 22 putts.
"Today's round putting was great, I make every putt, I make 22 putts and make a great score." Kang said following her round.
American Stacy Lewis and South Korean Jinny Shin trailed a stroke behind at joint third following their round of 67s.
Thai No 2 Pornanong Phatlum, with a 70, took the joint 15 th place with Moriya Jutanugarn following two strokes behind at tied 39th.
