Lydia Ko begins well at Evian Championship
Lydia Ko – plays from a fairway bunker at the 3rd hole today – image LPGA / Getty
Despite a somewhat indifferent season to date on the LPGA Tour in 2023, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko is still the world number three female golfer and during today’s opening round of the Amundi Evian Championship in Evian les Bains in France, she displayed some of the game we know she is capable of.
With only one top ten in her last nine starts this season, Ko had been struggling with a game on which she had worked so hard to get back amongst the elite of the game after drifting outside the top 50 three years ago.
Today, however, the 2015 Evian Champion bounced back from a scratchy start to day one with a closing nine of 31 and a round of 66 on the par 71 layout to share second place with three others, two shots behind the leader, Paula Reto.
“It wasn’t the smoothest start, but when I was in trouble I was able to make good up and downs, and I think that helped with the momentum,” said the 26 year old
“Whereas I feel like sometimes trying to make those par saves are more the momentum taker than birdies at times. I know that at least I’m even, and if I have another birdie opportunity I’m going to try and be under par for the day.
“So nice to finish off on a high birdieing the last and playing really well on the back nine, but hopefully less shaky start tomorrow.”
Ko knows her game is still a work in progress but it was encouraging to be able to fashion such a good round despite her early battles.
“I think all in all it was solid, even though things may not be 100%, I think that’s part of the game. You’re trying to shoot the best score you can, and sometimes it may not look pretty on the scorecard.”
A recently introduced putter appeared to pay dividends.
“It’s a fairly new putter. I put it in the bag at the U.S. Women’s Open and I was honestly just messing around with it and trying the length more so.
“I love my Scotty Cameron putter. I didn’t think I would move or change to a different putter. But it kind of looked good and rolled good, and I think that’s what’s most important.
“Even my husband said, I didn’t expect you to have that putter, but it’s been really good. I know some days are going to be — the putter is going to get hot and some days it’s not the case.
“But you try to take advantage of those days that you feel like you’re rolling it good. Then all I can do is put — get my read and put a good stroke on it and hopefully it falls.”
Ko enjoys a great record at the Evian Championship in addition to her breakthrough major win here eight years ago. She has two runner-up finishes and a 3rd place along with her victory amongst the picturesque scenery on the edge of Lake Geneva on the French / Swiss border.
Hannah Green at 3 under and in a share of 15th place and Minjee Lee at 2 under are the next best of the Australasians and the only ones under par.
Grace Kim is even par, Sarah Kemp and Karis Davidson at 2 over Stephenie Kyriacou 3 over with the cut looking likely to be around 1 or 2 over.
