Yu Han Hsuan (俞涵軒), An Ho Yu (安禾佑), and Chang Ching Ling (張靖翎) produced flawless rounds of 66 to share the first-round lead at the third annual Da Da Digital Ladies Open.
Japanese Minako Sakaguchi registered the lowest round in her rookie TLPGA Tour season with a bogey-free 67 at the Tong Hwa Golf Club. This puts her in solo fourth.
Yu, who endured difficult wet conditions in the morning, went out early in 35 and came all the way up with five birdies on the inward nine to set the clubhouse target at 66 before being matched by An and Chang.
Yu turned to be a TLPGA Tour pro only this season and had posted a string of decent performances, but this is the first time she held a first-round lead. On Wednesday, Yu hit 12 fairways, which set up great opportunities for her on the greens. “I was very strong from the tees. I missed just a couple of fairways. And my iron game was pretty good, too, helping me to get some cheap birdies and keep the engine going,” said Yu, who left no blemish on the card today.
An Ho Yu began her day with a bogey on the 10th hole, however, she switched up a gear right after, making seven birdies along the way to card a 66 as well. “My short game went incredibly well. I was getting near the pins, and there were lots of great putts,” An said. “I was feeling a bit unsure because I kind of struggled with the grain and the breaks on the greens when we played the pro-am yesterday, but those worries never really existed today. I was feeling on a roll after that first bogey.
Chang Ching-Ling, who is chasing her third victory of the season, used a steady 33-33 66 to put herself in contention again this week. “I was not at my best from the tee. Thanks to the putter and short irons, though, I did not face much trouble out there. Had a really solid round without any bogey,” said Chang. “I’m going back to the practice range later to take a few more hits with my woods. Hopefully they are getting better in the next rounds.”
Minako Sakaguchi needed just 26 putts in the first round today. “The greens were a little tricky, but I think I did well. The atmosphere was great. I’m feeling comfortable here,” said Sakaguchi. “People are really friendly. Some Taiwanese players speak Japanese to me. I appreciate their help a lot. They help me to fit in on the tour so quickly. I hope I can get a win very soon.”
The competition layout of this year’s Da Da Digital Ladies Open is set at 6,328 yards long. Da Da is a broadband service company in Taiwan initiated by the locally-renowned Da Feng cable company, which hopes to facilitate positive social relationships and connections through sporting events and various charitable endeavors organized by the Da Da Digital Foundation.
A cut will be made after tomorrow’s second round. Only top-50 and ties will prevail through to Friday’s final round.
Hole-in-one prizes and bonus cheques from BESV E-Bike, EAGLE Golf, SAMPO, Departure, Taiwan Fire & Marine Insurance, and Masada Taiwan will be up for grabs for aces on Hole 1, 8, 12, and 17.
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