Kim Leads ISCO Championship After Blistering 61
South Korean sets the pace in Louisville
Chan Kim electrified Hurstbourne Country Club, carding a spectacular 9-under 61 to seize the first-round lead at the ISCO Championship. His performance gives him a significant advantage in the PGA Tour event, co-sanctioned by the European tour.
Early Spark Ignites Round
Kim kick-started his impressive round by holing out from 123 yards for an eagle on the par-4 fourth hole, setting the tone for a day that included seven birdies. “The hole-out on 4 definitely kick-started the morning,”
Kim said, adding, “I’m really proud of how I played today.”
His stellar play has put him four strokes ahead of his nearest competitors: Callum Shinkwin of England, Thomas Rosenmueller of Germany, and American Peter Malnati.
Despite his strong start, Kim remains grounded. “I’ve missed the last six out of seven cuts, so that’s a good feeling to kind of not have to really worry about it,”
he acknowledged, while also expressing his ambition to continue playing aggressively.
European Players Shine
Shinkwin mirrored Kim’s feat by also eagling a par 4, holing out from 107 yards on the 12th. “I didn’t make any mistakes, which is obviously key,”
Shinkwin said. “It’s very easy to lose concentration in the heat.”
The champion of this tournament secures a two-year exemption and an invitation to next year’s PGA Championship. Interestingly, none of the participants are slated to compete in the British Open next week. According to recent data, first-round leaders win approximately 25% of the time on the PGA Tour (Golf Distillery 2023).
Other Players in Contention
Steven fish, who played in the final group, ended the day five shots behind at 66, alongside Troy Merritt, Angel Ayora, Cristobal del Solar and Kevin Kisner.
Emiliano Grillo began with a 67, a few days after a sudden-death playoff loss to Brian Campbell at the John Deere Classic.
Auburn junior Jackson’s birch recorded a 72, following his tie for 11th at the John Deere. Kentucky’s own J.B. Holmes, playing on a sponsor exemption, posted a 74.
Hall Absent from ISCO
Last year’s winner at Keene Trace in Nicholasville, Kentucky, Harry Hall, secured a spot in the British Open and is currently participating in the Scottish Open.
