Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Pei-Ying produced a memorable opening round at the Sony JLPGA Championship on Thursday, describing her front nine as “like a dream” as she seized the early lead at the JLPGA major.
The 35-year-old, who has spent much of her professional career competing in Japan, combined superb distance control with a spectacular chip-in to take a one-shot lead over Japan’s Kana Ngai at the top of the leaderboard after carding a seven-under-par 65 at Katayamazu Golf Club.
For Tsai, the strong start comes during a particularly promising season, in which she won the WPG Ladies Open on her domestic Tour after defeating former world No. 1 Yani Tseng in May.
Now back in familiar territory in Japan, where she has competed since 2011, Tsai is relishing the chance to challenge for another major title.
“The front nine was honestly like a dream. My distance control was really good, and I was even surprised to finish with a chip-in,” said Tsai.
Despite her impressive start, Tsai was quick to emphasise that the course conditions at Katayamazu Golf Club are far from an easy test.
“No, not at all. I looked at my score from nine years ago and was shocked at my score,” said Tsai.
The memory underlined just how much the course has tested her over the years. While she enjoyed an almost flawless opening nine, Tsai encountered more difficulties after the turn, with several tee shots finding the rough and some holes requiring her to pitch out rather than attack the green.
She responded with the resilience that has become a feature of her career, fighting to save par and maintain her position.
But Tsai knows there is still a long way to go.
“Golf is day-by-day. I just want to stay humble, focus on what I can do and give everything I have,” said Tsai.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kim A-lim embraced the strategic challenge posed by Katayamazu, describing the course as one that rewards good shot-making while offering opportunities for players willing to take risks.
“If I hit my shots well, this course can be fun,” said the 2020 U.S Women’s Open champion, who carded a 72 to trail Tsai by six shots in tied-21st place.
Kim said the layout suits her aggressive approach to the game while also demanding careful attention to the tall trees and thick summer grass.
With an early start on Friday, Kim is expecting the course to present a different test.
“If I can hit my shots well, I think this course can be a lot of fun,” she said. “I’m starting in the morning tomorrow, so the greens should be a little different, and I want to do my best.”
And rather than wishing for easier conditions, Kim is hoping for an even greater challenge.
“I enjoy taking on challenges, so I actually hope it gets even windier tomorrow,” she said. “I’d also like the weather to be a little more challenging.”
