Australian Women’s Classic: Grace Kim in hot pursuit of record-breaking European trio

A trio of Europeans set a new course record as Australian LPGA star Grace Kim made a late charge up the leaderboard on the opening round of the Australian Women’s Classic.

Grace Kim of Australia during the first round of the Australian Ladies Classic. Picture: Tristan Jones / LET

A trio of Europeans set a new course record as Australian LPGA star Grace Kim made a late charge up the leaderboard on the opening round of the Australian Women’s Classic at Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Friday.

Welsh rookie Darcey Harry, Swede Moa Folke and Austrian Emma Spitz all shot 6-under par 64s while Kim and rookie playing partner Kelsey Bennett both closed out the day strongly to sit two shots back after rounds of 4-under 66.

Fellow Australians Sarah Kemp and Stephanie Bunque are two shots further back in an eight-way tie for 10th.

Kim picked up two shots over the last three holes, happy that time spent with coach Khan Pullen in Sydney last week had paid dividends after a poor start to the LPGA Tour season in Asia.

Grace Kim of Australia putts during the first round of the Australian Ladies Classic. Picture: Tristan Jones / LET

“I was pretty disappointed with how I started my season in Asia, but at the same time, I did start probably about two weeks too late,” said Kim.

“You have to make sure you balance it well and prepare mentally, that golf’s not going to be as sharp as you want it to be.

“I definitely felt more comfortable out there and it’s nice to know that the ball is going where it feels like it should be going.”

Bennett, 25, is playing her first full year on the European tour and is hoping to maximise the chance to secure a big result in her home state.

“It makes a massive difference,” Bennett said of playing LET events in Australia.

“I’ve got my family here this week and I’m staying in a place I’ve stayed at before.

“It’s really weird seeing the overseas girls in my home country. My car is in the car park and they’re all here.

“It all adds up to if you’re comfortable out there, anything’s possible.”

Originally published as Australian Women’s Classic: Grace Kim in hot pursuit of record-breaking European trio