Minami Katsu Sets Course Record in Shanghai and Leads LPGA Tournament
SHANGHAI – Japanese golfer Minami Katsu sank an impressive long putt on the 18th hole, finishing with a score of 61 strokes, 11 under par, setting a new course record and taking the lead at the LPGA tournament in Shanghai. Katsu, with six birdies in the first nine holes, and after a bogey on the 10th hole, added six more birdies at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club. The 27-year-old player, with a score of 13 under par (131) after two rounds, is looking for her first victory on the circuit.Katsu revealed that he wasn’t thinking about records, but instead focused on the fundamentals, achieving 12 birdies. He surpassed the previous course record by one stroke, set last year by Sei Young Kim.“It was a pretty flawless round, I think with a bit of luck, but overall it was very good. My personal best was 10 under par, so today I set a new record,” commented Katsu.
Minami Katsu
Ina Yoon signed a card of 68 strokes on Friday, placing second at 11 under par, one stroke ahead of Americans Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan (67). Bae, who aspired to the lead with 13 under par in the last group, had a complicated finish on the 18th hole.“Honestly, I am very happy with the record I made today. Obviously, we still have two days of play left, so there probably won’t be a celebration. I will try to keep it simple,” he added.
Minami Katsu
His ball landed in a bunker, then he took a drop hoping to improve his position, but his next shot ended up in the water. Bae finished with a triple bogey 7, settling for 69 strokes. His second round included eight birdies, two bogeys and the triple bogey.
The previous night’s leader, Arpichaya Yubol, had a round of 71 strokes and placed fifth with 9 under par, tied with Somi Lee (67) and Jeeno Thitikul (70). The event in Shanghai is the first of five tournaments in Asia, followed by two weeks in South Korea, including the International Crown team event, and other tournaments in Malaysia and Japan.
