While World’s Tops Stuttered Before Malaysia’s Unpredictable Weather, 187-Ranked LPGA Pro Fought It Back in Style

This week the LPGA is hosting the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Malaysia. The event returns to Malaysia after 6 years of its inaugural year and big names like Nelly Korda. Lydia Ko and others are gracing the event.

However the weather has been quite uncooperative with the LPGA players, but for this seasoned pro, no hurdle is big enough to stop her as she races ahead of top golfers. Let’s find out more.

Snakes and stones didn’t break the bones of 187-ranked ‘Jasmine’

All was not well for the players in the first round of the Maybank Championship as the golfers had to brave the drizzling weather. Pro golfer Jenny Shin shared updates on her Instagram stories of rain on the course. But the weather was no challenge for Thailand’s Thidapa ‘Jasmine’ Suwannapura, who, among the presence of top golfers like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and others, grabbed the lead.

Ranked 187 in the world rankings, Suwannapura made seven birdies and an eagle for a 9-under 63 in the first round. She teed off in the first group of the day off the 10th tee. Speaking about her result in the presser, Suwannapura said, “Starting the first couple of holes, I tried to play kind of little safe … because I only played six holes for the practice round and got to walk on the back nine on pro-am day on the cart path, so I don’t really know the course. I feel like with low expectation today then the result come out really good.”

She continued, “A lot of putts dropped for me, and it’s a good feeling to start with a low score this week for sure.” The weather turned out to be unreliable as the morning began with a sunny sky. But soon grey clouds started hovering in the sky by noon and thunderstorms became too obtrusive and delayed in the play.

By the time 54 players finished, the game was suspended due to lightning. Other leading names at the event were seen struggling during the first round which was already impacted by bad weather.

Also Read – Amid Nodding Yes to LPGA and PGA Tour’s Collaboration, Charley Hull Intentionally Skips Maybank Championship for a Valid Reason

How is the field looking at the Maybank Championship in the first round?

Following Suwannapura is the 2019 PGA Championship winner, Australia’s Hannah Green, in the second spot with a round of 64. Following her are Grace Kim, Rose Zhang, Gina Kim, and Linn Grant, who are all tied for 3rd position with a score of 65 each. Lydia Ko is tied on 16 after carding 68, while Nelly Korda is in a tie on 22 after carding a round of 69.

Three more days are left for the event. Let’s see what the final round on Sunday brings.

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