EVIAN-LES-BAINS – If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone.
Sung Hyun Park opened with an eight-under par, 63 at the Evian Championship for the second consecutive year to take the early lead on day one at the season’s final major. She leads the morning wave by three-strokes ahead of Katherine Kirk at five-under par. Jessica Korda and In-Kyung Kim sit at four-under par.
Park cruised to the early lead in France with the same cool and calm demeanor she’s showed in her young career. That same self-assurance has already earned her two victories in her rookie season, including what will likely be the first of many majors, with her win in July at the U.S. Women’s Open. Friday, she began her quest for her third win of the season and second major title by going out in 30 with four birdies and a chip in for eagle at the par five,13th hole. Park started her day on the back nine.
“The distance was 25 meters, so I was deciding whether I'm going to do chipping or putting, and I think after I made the shot, I was surprised, as well,” Park said about her eagle.
The Korean hit 16 of 18 greens and made it around in 26 putts, a far cry from the start she had on Thursday when she was six-over par on her first nine when play was suspended due to severe weather.
“When I usually don't play well, I just try to do better and focus on the game, and that's what I'm hoping for every round, and that's what I'm going to keep on doing and focus on the game,” said Park.
Friday, 2005 Evian champion Paula Creamer withdrew due to a left wrist injury. She was five-over par through 12 holes.
Click here for current scores from the opening round of the 2017 Evian Championship.
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