Sarah Schmelzel emerged as the unexpected frontrunner, seizing the spotlight from renowned names in the field by securing the first-round lead in the US$1.8 million HSBC Women’s World Championship with a stellar 4-under 68.
The 29-year-old, seeking her breakthrough on the LPGA, took the lead outright after trading five birdies against one bogey at the Tanjong course in Sentosa Golf Club.
World No. 1 Lilia Vu, along with Sweden’s Linn Grant and Germany’s Esther Henseleit, are tied for second after returning identical 69s, while 2021 HSBC Women’s World Championship winner Kim Hyo-Joo of South Korea is among five players sharing fifth place on 70.
Schmelzel, who teed off at the back-nine 10, stumbled early with a bogey on 12 after starting with two pars. She, however, regained her composure by carding six straight pars to turn in 37.
Schmelzel’s round then came alive in her outward-nine, where she birdied holes one and two before firing another three birdies in four holes, starting from the par-five fifth to sign for a 68.
Schmelzel said, “I think the conditions were pretty tough today. It was windy, and the greens were firm and fast. So just getting my feet under me a little bit. Just had a little bit of self-confidence knowing that I can make birdies and just kept telling myself that and tried to stay patient. Fortunately, I was able to roll in on one when I made the turn, and that just opened the floodgates a little bit.”
“I think it’s way more difficult this year just because it is firmer and faster on the green. Last year, we had record rainfall, maybe. It’s playing a bit more challenging,” stated the American, who finds herself as the sole leader in a tournament for the first time in her career.
The heat doesn’t faze her; she finds it rather pleasant. “I’m from Arizona, so no. I’m used to it being about 110, 115. It’s honestly kind of nice. I like it. The ball goes far, and you don’t have to worry about being cold and bundled up, so I kind of like it.,” said the pro, who is in her fifth year on tour.
Lilia Vu of the united States. Photo: Getty Images
Two-time major champion Vu, meanwhile, expressed her disbelief with the scores after the first day of the tournament, dubbed “Asia’s major”.
“I was surprised that the scores were so high. I always expect at least six-under to be the leader. But that shows you how tough the course is playing, and it’s a good challenge,” said Vu.
Vu started her round with two straight pars before reeling in two birdies on holes three and six. After turning in 34, she parred the next four holes before another birdie on 14 moved her to three under before closing with a bogey-free 69.
“The course is playing way more difficult than last year, and I knew that coming into today. The greens are playing firmer, and you can’t hit to tucked pins. You have to take your medicine and just have a 20-footer to try and make a birdie,” said Vu, an American of Vietnamese heritage.
Having finished in tied-65th place in Thailand last week, Grant was pleased with her opening round efforts, especially her ball striking.
Linn Grant of Sweden. Photo: Getty Images
“Last week was a bit of a struggle as I was confused with my ball-striking. So, coming into this week, I just went back to some drills that I know can work and try to figure out where, as much as I know the ball is missing one way and not both ways. I think from today onwards, it will be a little better. So, let’s take it one step at a time,” said Grant.
Henseleit credited her mental resilience for helping her overcome an early setback which saw her drop two shots in her first three holes. The 24-year-old recovered swiftly by charging back with four consecutive birdies starting from the fifth hole before marking her card with another birdie on 13.
“I didn’t get off to the best start but turned it around on the front nine and just played really solid on the back nine. I feel like the first four holes, especially three and four are probably some of the hardest holes on the course. If you can get through those holes, you know you have some chances. I was just telling myself to start two-over after three, it not the end of the world,” said Henseleit.
Five players sit in a tie for fifth place including sponsor invite and four-time LPGA Tour winner In Gee Chun, 2023 U.S. Solheim Cup team member Andrea Lee, 2021 HSBC Women’s World Championship winner Hyo Joo Kim, two-time LPGA Tour winner Leona Maguire and 2023 Rolex First-Time Winner Chanettee Wannasaen.
Patty Tavatanakit, who came to Singapore having won each of her last two tournaments, is lying a share of 30th place after a 72.
15-year-old Singaporean qualifier and sole amateur in the field, Xingtong Chen found to her mingled amazement and disbelief, that she had matched her idol’s Lydia Ko’s 75 and the two of them were in a share of 53rd place.
The 2024 HSBC Women’s World Championship features 15 of the world’s top 20 and all the reigning major champions. All the reigning major champions are also set to compete alongside 19 major champions, 43 LPGA winners with a combined total of 175 titles, seven former world No. 1s, and 18 Solheim Cup players with 46 appearances between them.
The HSBC Women’s World Championship boasts an international field with representation from 22 countries across the world.
