Grace Kim Fires Six-Under 66, One Stroke Back at LPGA Portland Classic; Yubol Contends

Kim Delivers Strong Opening Performance

Australian golfer Grace Kim began the LPGA Tour's Portland Classic with a six-under-par 66. This score positioned her one stroke behind the leader, Mariel Galdiano, following Thursday's first round. Kim shares second place in a seven-way tie. The tournament is being held at Columbia-Edgewater Country Club.

Kim, aged 25, has maintained a consistent run of form, having secured two top-10 finishes in recent events. Her performance places her firmly among the early contenders. Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol also posted a six-under-par score, joining Kim in the group tied for second. This demonstrates the competitive standard at the top of the leaderboard.

Round Details for Kim and Galdiano

Grace Kim, currently ranked world No. 38, achieved seven birdies and one eagle during her opening round. She commenced her play on the 10th hole, securing three consecutive birdies at the start. Kim completed her round using only 24 putts, the fewest recorded by any player in the field. She commented on her strong start, stating it provided a positive impetus for her round.

Kim also noted the true roll of the greens, which allowed her to execute putts effectively. Leader Mariel Galdiano, a 28-year-old from Hawaii, carded an opening 65. Her round featured nine birdies, establishing her position at the top. This marks Galdiano's fourth LPGA Tour appearance this year.

Other Contenders and Australian Players

Among the players tied with Kim and Yubol at six-under are Maria Jose Marin and Olivia Cowan. Marin, the Augusta National women's amateur champion, aged 20, recorded five consecutive birdies on her front nine. She expressed regaining confidence after a period of less consistent play following the British Open.

Fellow Australian Robyn Choi also made a notable start, finishing the first round at five-under-par 67. Choi, who is tied for ninth, improved her score on the back nine, securing four consecutive birdies from the 12th hole and adding another on the 17th. Another Australian, Steph Kyriacou, finished her round at even par 72. The projected cut for the tournament is currently around one-under-par.

Implications for Asian Golfers

The strong showing by Asian-Pacific golfers like Grace Kim and Arpichaya Yubol at a prominent LPGA event highlights the increasing competitive depth from the region. Such performances bring greater visibility to these players and their national golf programmes.

For aspiring golfers in Asia, this demonstrates a clear pathway to competing at the highest levels of professional golf. Continued success on international tours can also drive interest in golf travel to Asia, as fans seek to visit courses where these players may have developed their skills.

The presence of multiple Asian-Pacific players near the top of leaderboards reinforces the region's growing influence in professional golf.