The streak may have come to an end, but Jin Young Ko held her head high at the BMW Ladies Championship, an impressive feat for the 25-year-old in just her fourth official season on the LPGA Tour. After a 1-under 71, Ko closed her first round in the 70s since the third round of the Amundi Evian Championship. She remains tied with Annika Sorenstam and So Yeon Ryu for the most consecutive rounds in the 60s (14), and Ko said she was proud of the effort she gave during her impressive run.
“I think I was able to tie with Annika and So Yeon because I worked hard every moment and I gave it my best every hole and every shot,” said Ko. “So I think that this in itself is really meaningful, and really 14 consecutive rounds in the 60s is not easy. I worked hard a lot, and also you need a bit of luck as well.”
The World No. 2 said she’s looking forward to better weather for the next 54 holes in Busan to improve upon a lackluster start. If Ko were to win the BMW Ladies Championship, she is projected to become No. 1 for the third time in the history of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. This is the only scenario that takes her to the top. Ko has spent a total of 112 weeks at No. 1, which ranks second only to Lorena Ochoa with 158 weeks. She’s currently seven shots out of the lead, but knows nothing is impossible.
“It was raining. It was cold. So it was a tough round. But I have to say I did my best. And maybe I think I didn't do well, as much as I had expected, because when you play in Korea, there's that extra bit in you that wants to do a little bit better, and there's that extra bit of pressure as well,” said Ko. “But I have to say I really did my best today, and I think I wrapped up the round nicely with a birdie.”
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