Golf round-up: Schmelzel grabs early HSBC Women’s lead, Hend rolls back years in New Zealand, Kim ‘on a mission’ with LIV
- Two birdies in closing holes give Sarah Schmelzel narrow lead at HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore
- Scott Hend makes early running at New Zealand Open, while Anthony Kim confirms return to professional golf after more than a decade
Sarah Schmelzel birdied two of her final three holes on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.
The America’s four-under-par 68 left her just ahead of a three-way tie for second, between Lilia Vu, Linn Grant and Esther Henseleit.
China’s Yin Ruoning carded a 71 to sit among a large group tied for 10th at Sentosa Golf Club, as did two-time defending champion Ko Jin-young.
Schmelzel overcame a shaky start in windy conditions, and got up and down several times to save par on the front nine. The 29-year-old then got some putts to drop after the turn and said “everything felt good” from then on.
“I just kept telling myself [that she could make birdies] and tried to stay patient,” Schmelzel said. “Fortunately I was able to roll in on one when I made the turn and that just opened the floodgates a little bit.”
Vu, the world No 1, was surprised to find herself so high up the leaderboard, saying she “always expects at least six-under to be the leader”.
“It shows how tough the course is playing and it’s a good challenge,” she added.
Rolling back the years
At Millbrook Golf Resort, Scott Hend rolled back the years, shooting a seven-under-par 64 to take a share of the lead with fellow countryman Matthew Griffin after the first round of the New Zealand Open.
The Australians sit one-stroke clear of eight players, including Hong Kong Open winner Ben Campbell, and Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, who came in with 65s.
Just three shots separate the top 37 players, with Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho among 20 on four under.
Hend, who has 10 Asian Tour victories under his belt, opened the tournament, which features a Pro-Am format, on the Remarkables Course and went bogey-free, making two birdies on the front nine, before five birdies on the second half saw him shoot up the leaderboard. He made four in a row from the ninth.
“Just [playing] to have fun and try and be there on Sunday with a chance to win. I mean, last year I had an opportunity and just didn’t hole any putts on Sunday,” said the 50-year-old, who won on the European Seniors Tour last year.
“So, you know, in this format you’ve got to embrace it and have fun. I’ve got some good amateurs that we’re playing with and it’s a pleasure to meet new people like that and actually have a bit of a chat.”
Kim back in swing of things
Anthony Kim has returned to professional golf after more than a decade away from the sport, joining LIV Golf for the rest of the season.
The 38-year-old American will compete as an individual, starting in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and his wild card status means he is not connected to any of the 13 teams.
In a news release, Kim, who won three times on the PGA Tour and was as high as No 6 in the world, said he was “on a mission” to prove he could still compete against the best.
“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m very grateful for all the highs, lows and lessons learned from the first part of my career,” Kim said. “The next step on that journey starts now, and I’m excited to give everything I’ve got this season on the LIV Golf League.”
