Altomare, Saso Share Lead at LPGA LOTTE Championship

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Yuka Saso LPGA LOTTE Championship
Yuka Saso walks off the 9th green following the first round of the LPGA LOTTE Championship at Kapolei Golf Club on April 14, 2021 in Kapolei, Hawaii. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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.


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