Somi Lee‘s Putting Change Propels Her to Early Lead at CME Group Tour Championship
Somi Lee carded an impressive 8-under 64 Thursday, seizing a two-stroke advantage at the CME Group Tour Championship and positioning herself for a potential $4 million prize.The South Korean golfer’s strong start is largely attributed to a recent adjustment in her putting grip, a change she made after observing a fellow LPGA star.
Lee’s round showcased both strategic play and opportune moments. She expertly navigated the warm conditions, opting to drop down to a 5-iron which set up a crucial eagle on the par-5 17th. However, a rare lapse on the closing hole resulted in a three-putt bogey, preventing an even lower score.
The Leaderboard Takes Shape
Following closely behind Lee is Allisen Corpuz, the former U.S. Women’s Open champion, who finished the day two shots back.Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked No. 1 and vying for LPGA Player of the Year honors, posted a solid 67, tying her with three other competitors.
Here’s a look at the top contenders:
* Leader: Somi Lee (-8)
* Second: Allisen Corpuz (-6)
* Tied for Third: jeeno Thitikul, Jin Hee Im, Nasa Hataoka, Sei-young Kim (-5)
* Group at 68: Grace Kim, Minjee Lee (-4)
Player of the Year Race Intensifies
Thitikul already has a tour Championship victory under her belt from last year. Currently, she’s poised to secure the LPGA Player of the Year title unless Miyu Yamashita can overtake her with a win this week.Yamashita, a two-time winner this season including the Women’s open, faced a more challenging opening round, finishing with a 70.
Nelly Korda, aiming to rebound from a winless year after a dominant 2023, struggled to find her rythm, carding a 71 despite a near miss on a short birdie putt.
A Grip Change inspired by a Hall of Famer
Lee’s success isn’t accidental. She credits a recent overhaul of her putting technique for the dramatic improvement. “I just followed Lydia Ko’s putter grip as she’s a good player and I thought, ‘Why not follow a good player’s putter grip?'” Lee explained.
She initially tested the new grip last week, refining it before arriving at the Tour Championship. The results speak for themselves - a remarkably efficient 27 putts during her opening round.
What’s at Stake?
The field of 60 players represents the LPGA’s most accomplished golfers of the year. Race to CME Globe rankings are now secondary; all eyes are on the $4 million top prize – the largest in women’s golf history – from the $11 million purse.
Thitikul, despite the substantial reward, maintains a focused outlook. “I know we’re playing for $4 million check, but to me it’s just like almost a bonus for me this kind of year to be able to play here,” she stated. ”I have been on a really good run for the year,nothing to think about that much.”
Ultimately, the CME Group Tour Championship promises a thrilling finish as players battle for both individual glory and the coveted LPGA Player of the Year title. You can expect a competitive weekend as these top golfers vie for the biggest prize in women’s golf.
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