- South Korea's A Lim Kim cards 4-under 68 in challenging winds
- 16 of top 15 ranked players compete sans Korda/Zhang
- HSBC event concludes LPGA's Asian Swing before China finale
Golf's elite faced tropical gusts at Sentosa Golf Club's Tanjong Course on Thursday, where precision trumped power in Round 1. A Lim Kim demonstrated masterful iron play, hitting 14/18 greens despite 18mph winds that saw defending champion Hannah Green (+3) struggle with approach shots. The 2020 US Women's Open winner's bogey-free front nine built momentum, though a missed 4-footer on the 16th prevented a wider margin.
England's Charley Hull (69) countered with a tournament-best 315-yard driving average, her power game adapting surprisingly well to the technical layout. Four players sit two strokes back at 2-under, including MINJEE LEE - currently ranked 7th worldwide - who sank a 27-foot birdie putt on the island-green 17th.
Asian Swing Implications
With 650 FedEx Cup points at stake, Thursday's results intensify the race for Asian Swing bonuses. Thailand winner Angel Yin's 76 highlights the challenge of back-to-back tropical events, while Jin Young Ko's 73 keeps her three-peat bid alive. Singapore's humidity proved a hidden factor, with caddies reporting 33% higher water consumption versus last year's event.
Regional Impact Spotlight
Sentosa's $15M course renovation (completed 2022) positions Singapore as Asia's emerging golf tech hub. The installation of SubAir moisture-control systems allowed play to continue through morning thunderstorms - a key factor in securing the LPGA's long-term contract. Tourism Board data shows 23% year-over-year increase in sports tourism revenue since the tournament's 2021 return.
Friday's forecast predicts stronger winds, potentially reshuffling the leaderboard. All eyes will be on Kim's ability to maintain composure under pressure, while Hull seeks her first LPGA victory since 2022. The Singapore showdown continues through Sunday before the tour shifts to China's warmer climate at Hainan Island.
