It’s American Andrea Lee’s first time teeing it up in the Republic of Korea, and so far, she’s off to quite a good start. Lee kicked off the week in Wonju by firing a bogey-free, 6-under 66 on Thursday at Oak Valley Country Club, tying her career-low first-round score which she last shot earlier this year at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. She currently sits in a tie for third, three shots back of Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul and gave credit to her faith in her game as the reason for all the good golf she’s played as of late.
“I birdied three of the par 5s and it was pretty much steady all day. I have a lot of trust in my game right now hitting a lot of fairways. I think I hit almost every green today, too,” said Lee who hit 18 of 18 greens on Thursday. “I had three birdies on the front nine, three birdies on the back nine. Kind of a stress-free round. I didn't have any bogeys today, and I think that's been the key to my consistent play lately, not making any bogeys and staying really consistent. Overall, pleased with the way I played today and hopefully I can keep it going.”
Lee became a Rolex First-Time Winner with her victory at the AmazingCre Portland Classic in September, an emotional win considering the struggles she’s faced throughout her first couple of years on Tour. In addition to that title, Lee has four other top 10s on her 2022 resume as well as a pair of top 15s in two of the year’s five majors, the U.S. Women’s Open presented by ProMedica and the Amundi Evian Championship. All her success this season has really freed up Lee with just a few events left on the calendar, giving her the opportunity to just relax and enjoy herself on the golf course, and as she looks ahead to the next three days of the BMW Ladies Championship, she’s excited to be able to enjoy having her family around to watch her compete, especially her 91-year-old grandfather.
“I've been playing well all season and to get that win in Portland meant so much to me. I feel like now I can relax and just have a little bit more fun out here on the golf course,” said Lee. “This is my first time playing golf (in Korea). The fans here are crazy about golf. They are so passionate. I can feel their energy on every hole. I have my parents out here, and I have a grandpa out here, too. He didn't come today but we'll probably see him maybe later this week or next week. It's just been great.”
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