Moriya harnesses home support
Thai cheered into joint first-round lead by huge crowd
Chonburi - Inform Moriya Jutanugarn tapped home a four-foot birdie putt to share a four-way lead with 2016 champion Lexi Thompson, American Jessica Korda and Australian Minjee Lee in the $1.6 million LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course on Thursday.
Supported by over 2,000 fans, an unusual large crowd for Thursday round, the 23-year-old shot six birdies for her bogeyless round of 66 to take a one-shot joint lead on an opening day which began early to avoid afternoon rain.
“I was playing better than I expected. It pumps you up to have good reactions from fans. They are excited to see Thais play. You want to play well to thank for their support,” added the world No 21 who has yet to hold an LPGA trophy after finishing second in the Blue Bay LPGA and Arkansas Championship last year.
Moriya is among big local hopes that included her sister Ariya who are aiming to end the 12-year wait for a Thai champion.
“It’s definitely the big goal this year (to win a title) but for this week I just want to go out there and enjoy the golf game at home,” said the 2013 Rookie of the Year.
Australian Lee rolled in a spectacular 44-foot-eagle on the 18th hole to finish with a 66 at the par 72 6,567 yard layout.
“I started with one under. But after the first nine holes, I started hitting solid and holed a couple more putts. (for the next three days) I just stick with my game plan: just hit good iron shots and hit good putts, doing everything that's in my control,” said Lee who just finished fifth in the Australian Women’s Open on Sunday.
World No 4 Thompson who carded a total 20 under-par-268 to emerge the victor here two years ago started with an eagle followed by a birdie before shooting one bogey and four more birdies to be among the co- leaders.
Lexi Thompson
“It definitely helps to get that kind of start, but I was just trying to keep that momentum and not get ahead of myself and just keep on doing my routine and focus on one shot at a time,” added Thompson who has bagged a total of nine LPGA titles.
Like Thompson, Thai No 1 Ariya opened with three under after just two holes before her putting game let her down and had to be content with a 68.
“I was really happy with my form as I gave my all out there. I’m happy everything about my game and I think I putted well but they just didn’t go in,” said Ariya who is carrying a big load of pressure on her shoulders as the most Thai favourite to win this week.
Minjee Lee
The former world No 1 however had a different approach coming to the course this week as she prefers to play golf with fun.
“I didn’t expect much about the outcome and (winning home tournament) won’t make me a better player. I just want to stay committed to my plan and enjoy the game,” Ariya said.
Thai No 3 Pornanong Phatlum was playing with a minor back and hip injury shot a 68 while defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea shot an opening 67.
Pornanong Phatlum
Jessica Korda
