By: Max Bechtoldt
There’s something about Australians at Wilshire Country Club, the host of the JM Eagle LA Championship. Minjee Lee and defending champion Hannah Green have both played fantastic at the course throughout their career, including wins for each. Grace Kim looks to continue that legacy this week.
Kim shot a -7 65 going out in the morning wave, leading Maja Stark and playing partner Chanette Wannasean by one stroke so far. Kim had no bogeys and seven birdies on her way to the stellar start.
Most impressive may be how she ended the round. Kim hit one short on the par 3 18th hole. She managed to somehow avoid the bunkers and had a good look at getting one close. Sure enough she hit a beautiful chip that found the bottom of the cup for a walk-off birdie, and the biggest crowd pop of the day.
Hitting fairways is essential at Wilshire and Kim did just that, hitting 13/14, turning that into 15 greens in regulation. Even with the high GIR numbers, which can sometimes inflate putting statistics, Kim still only finished with 27 on the round.
Make sure to tune into the coverage beginning on Golf Channel and Peacock in primetime at 6:30 est., and see Kim back out on the course tomorrow in the TV window.
