Rose Zhang shot her lowest round in the LPGA this season at the Maybank Championship, a 7 under 65 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Malaysia. She trails by only two strokes. Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura, who shot a 63 in the first round, led the field. Hannah Green of Australia shot a 64.
Due to hazardous weather conditions, the first round of Maybank was suspended from 1:53 pm local time and resumed at 5.41 pm. This is a 3 hour and 48 minute delay. After the delay, eight groups were required to complete their rounds. Zhang was not one of the eight groups.
Zhang said, “I am super happy. I was aware that we were very close to the hole when we went into it.”
Zhang, who hadn’t finished in the top 20 since July at Amundi Evian, shares third place with Grace Kim, Linn grant, Gina Kim, and Peiyun chien, a fellow rookie.
Suwannapura took the early lead on Thursday, after birdieing, eagleing, and birdieing on Nos. 13-15. Four players on the field eagled the par-4, drivable No. Suwannapura, who shot a bogey free 63, hit every fairway in her round of 63 and only missed two greens.
The 30-year-old LPGA veteran said, “I think you need to hit this straight.” “Even on par 5, you can either layup or go for the shot. The course is very narrow. Everything has to be perfect to get a birdie.
“There are many people around me that make me feel loved and I am grateful that today is my birthday.” “@maybankchampion ambassador @kellytan33 celebrated her 30th birthday at home today pic.twitter.com/NylxYBGHlM
LPGA (@LPGA October 26, 2020
Six Malaysians are in the field, with Epson Tour graduate Natasha Andrea Oon posting the lowest score of the group: a 2-under-70.
Oon said, “I played today with Lydia (Ko), and Hannah (Green), who I looked up to when I was in junior golf, college golf or growing up.” “I idolized Lydia so it was a bit surreal. Teeing off at home in front of a crowd and everyone cheering on me was a little surreal. It was nice to feel like a star. “I had a great time.”
Kelly Tan, a Malaysian golfer, celebrated her 30th with a score of 71. This included a chip in on the fourth-hole.
