Maja Stark decided that the Honda LPGA Thailand could be a birdiefest after Amy Yang, a competitor, began her round at Siam Country Club with three consecutive birdies. Yang is, in fact, a three-time winner.
Stark wasn’t content to make birdies in Chonburi on a hot day. She also holed out twice from Chonburi’s fairway for an eagle. Stark made the first birdie on the fifth hole using a half-nine-iron.
Stark opened with a 6-under-66.
A memorable first round at the @hondalpgath!
Here are some top shots from the very first day.
pic.twitter.com/1k7RjHrEce
LPGA (@LPGA February 23, 2023
After Round 1, the rising Swedish star is in sixth place. Jennifer Kupcho shares the lead at 7 under with Xiyu Lin and Anna Nordqvist. Jaravee Boonchant from Thailand is also in the mix at 7 under.
“The coolest thing would have to be on No. 18 and No. 18 and No. 9 with all of the crowds, all the stadiums, that people were on,” Boonchant, a Duke graduate who is participating in this event as an LPGA member for the first time, said.
Boonchant was one of 11 Thai players who won membership after finishing in the top 45 with ties at the 2022 LPGA Q-Series.
Former No. Former No. After an opening 67, 4 is tied for ninth.
Stark, who is a first-timer from Thailand, stated that she spoke to Suzann Pettersen, Solheim Cup captain, and admitted that she is afraid of making mistakes.
Stark recalled, “She said, “Maja, do your heart beat?” “I said, yeah. “Is it beating?” Yes. ”
Stark acknowledged that she has great coaches back in Sweden but they haven’t followed the same path like Pettersen (15-time LPGA winner). Stark, who has admired Pettersen for many years, is shocked to have Pettersen’s number on her cell phone.
Stark said, “She’s so strong.” “I feel like we are the complete opposite of each other. I don’t know. I am a Pitbull. She said I was a Pitbull, but I don’t know where it came from.
“Some people think I look mean on the golf course. But that is not how I feel.”
Stark left Oklahoma State in order to become a professional in 2021. Stark has won seven times around the world, including the ISPS Handa World Invitational. This earned her an LPGA card. She is currently at the top of the LET’s Solheim Cup point list.
