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Kim Sei Young battles rough conditions to lead at Blue Bay LPGA

October 30, 2015

South Korean golfer Kim Sei Young (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

By Brian Han

Only five players managed to shoot under par over 36 holes in the blustery conditions at the Blue Bay LPGA.

South Korea’s Kim Sei Young will enter the weekend atop the leaderboard after shooting an even-par 72 on Friday. Normally most players wouldn’t be too content with a score like that, but that has been the standard so far.

With a total of 2-under, she is leading by one stroke over four other players including world No. 10 Suzann Pettersen.

She split the two nines with a birdie and bogey on each. Though most players are just trying to hang on until the end of the round, the 22-year-old seems to be enjoying the challenge.

“I like the windy weather because I’m using a lot of skills and low cut shots,” Kim said.

It showed especially on the par-5 18th where she hit a penetrating approach shot to just three feet for a tap-in birdie.

Most fans might forget that Kim is still a rookie considering that she’s been a constant contender throughout her first full year on tour. She made a splash at the beginning of the season after winning two events. One of which included an eagle hole out to beat Park Inbee in a playoff.

Many South Koreans usually cite another countrywoman as a role model, but as it turns out Kim’s came from Norway and she will be paired with her for Saturday’s round.

“It’s the first time, so I’m very looking forward,” Kim said of Pettersen.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko shot a 3-over 75 for an 8-over total putting her in a tie for 47th.

World No. 2 Park Inbee withdrew from the tournament citing a left middle finger injury.