After day one of the 2021 LOTTE Championship, Brittany Altomare and Yuka Saso share the lead at 8-under par.
Altomare, who started her round on the back at Kapolei Golf Club, made the turn on just 1-under par, but the American flipped on the jets going home, carding seven-consecutive birdies on Nos 1-7 to reach 8 under par.
She cited her caddie’s guidance in helping build momentum after a sluggish start.
“I was just putting really well. You know, on the front nine I think I struggled a little bit. Like I just think something was a little off or at least I felt that way,” said Altomare. “I brought Charlie (my caddie) in to help me read my putts on 1 and 2 and it just kind of gave me some confidence, like, yeah, you’re reading it right. Just kind of freed me up. Just putt and just make it.”
The 19-year-old Saso, meanwhile, went bogey-free, circling eight birdies on her card, highlighted by four over her final eight. Saso cited her driving as keys to her successful first round.
“I think I really hit a good drives today and made good up and downs. So, yeah, like I said earlier, like I think I got lucky today,” said Saso, who hit 10 of 14 fairways and 17 greens in regulation.
“Back nine the wind did get stronger than this morning. I think I just have to be careful with my drives, keep it in the fairway as much as possible, and trust the process.”
Lurking a stroke back of the co-leaders, at 7-under 65, was two-time major champion So Yeon Ryu, and Tour winners Ally Ewing and Nelly Korda.
2021 LOTTE Championship
Top-5 Leaders: Round One
Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
1. Brittany Altomare -8 (64)
1. Yuka Saso -8 (64)
3. So Yeon Ryu -7 (65)
3. Ally Ewing -7 (65)
3. Nelly Korda -7 (65)
Material from the LPGA Tour Communications was used to compile this report.
