South Korean Golfer Fires Record 61 to Lead Honda LPGA Thailand

Somi Lee of South Korea shot a personal-best 61 to grab a three-stroke lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul trails behind after shooting 63 on her 23rd birthday in front of her home crowd.

South Korean golfer Somi Lee fired a personal-best 61 on Friday, establishing a commanding three-shot advantage at the halfway point of the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament with a total of 17-under par.

Behind Lee sits world’s top-ranked player Jeeno Thitikul, who delighted her hometown supporters by shooting a 63 at Pattaya’s Siam Country Club Old Course, putting her at 14-under par.

Friday’s conditions proved favorable for scoring, as golfers consistently posted rounds in the 60s. Both Lee and Thitikul capitalized on these opportunities to separate themselves from the field.

Both golfers played flawless rounds without dropping a shot. Lee’s scorecard featured nine birdies plus an eagle, matching the course record, while Thitikul combined seven birdies with an eagle for her strong showing.

The Thai star celebrated her 23rd birthday in style, with spectators serenading her with “Happy Birthday” songs after her birdie putts. Thitikul noted she’ll cherish the day for both the festivities and her performance.

“For the past two days, I have been in a good position where I just want my ball to be,” she said. “So if we can put the ball where it’s kind of safe, not too risky, should be not a big problem with this golf course.”

Lee expressed satisfaction with her historic round as well.

“My shots went well overall, but even the shots that didn’t go well I was able to save with my putter, so I think that’s what overall went well today,” she said.

The South Korean is pursuing her second LPGA Tour victory, having captured the Dow Championship this past June.

“I had the best score of my life today so I’m emotional,” she said. “But since the competition is not over and there is still two more days left, I just want to celebrate this a little bit.”

Competitors battled sweltering temperatures throughout the day, presenting additional challenges according to Lydia Ko, who shares third place with Japan’s Chizzy Iwai following a flawless 64. Despite the heat, Ko remained focused and felt encouraged by her ball-striking improvements.

“My ball striking is something that we’ve been trying to dial down, and especially my iron play,” the New Zealand native explained. “I think I had like my worst iron greens in regulation stats these past couple years, so that was something that was really high on my attention list.

“It’s been a while since I hit 16 greens, so definitely nice to come off with a round like that. Yeah, especially with Jeeno playing well today, I felt like the whole group was really able to get in a good momentum and make a lot of birdies out there.”

First-round co-leaders Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka struggled to maintain their early pace. Wannasaen posted a 71 to fall back to 8-under and a tie for 13th place, while Hataoka’s 72 dropped her to 7-under and tied for 22nd.

Last year’s tournament winner Angel Yin followed her opening 69 with a disappointing 75, leaving her at even par for the championship.