NAPLES, Fla. — Somi Lee’s decision to change her putter grip paid off big time at the CME Group Tour Championship on Thursday, as the Korean opened with an 8-under 64 to take a two-shot lead in the race for a $4 million purse.
When Lee hit a club to the 5-iron because of the warm weather, she started to pull away and made an eagle on the par-5 17th. Her only mistake was a long three-putt bogey on the final hole at Tiburon Golf Club.
Even so, she still holds a two-shot lead over former U.S. Women’s Open champion Allison Copetz.
Jeeno Thitikul, the top-ranked player and front-runner for LPGA Player of the Year, had six birdies in 67 rounds to tie three other players. Titicul won the Tour Championship last year and if Japan’s Miyu Yamashita wins this event, he will win Points Player of the Year.
Yamashita, who has two wins this year, including the Women’s Open, was slowed by two bogeys and opened with a 70.
Nelly Korda, trying to avoid a winless year after winning seven times a year ago, missed a 3-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole during a mediocre 71.
Lee, one of 29 players to win on the LPGA this year, joins Jin Hee Im in the Dow Championship. She had a good year, finishing 14th at the CME Globe, but felt her putting was holding her back. That’s when she noticed the newest LPGA Hall of Famer, Lydia Ko.
“I just followed Lydia Ko’s putter grip because she’s such a good player and I thought, ‘Why not follow a good player’s putter grip?’ It worked really well,” Lee said.
She tried it last week, made some adjustments, and had a good showing at the Tour Championship, making just 27 putts in the round.
The top 60 advance to the season finale, and the fight for CME Globe rankings no longer matters. Whoever wins the tournament will receive $4 million from an $11 million purse – the richest prize in women’s golf.
“I know we’re playing for a $4 million check, but for me, I think it’s almost a bonus for me to be able to play here this year,” Titikul said. “I’ve had a really good year and there’s nothing to think about.”
Thitikul tied for third place with Im, Nasa Hataoka and Sei-young Kim. Two major champions, Grace Kim (Evian Championship) and Min-hee Lee (Women’s PGA), were in the group with 68s.
