Shin Ji-eun leads Women's Scottish Open after first round

Shin Ji-eun surged to the top of the leaderboard at the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, carding a 6-under-par 66 in the first round. The South Korean golfer, who joined the LPGA Tour in 2011 and secured her sole victory at the 2016 VOA Texas Shootout, is now in contention for her second career title.

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I concentrated on landing on the fairway, and when I had birdie opportunities, I succeeded, so I finished well.

Shin's round was highlighted by seven birdies and a single bogey. She started strong with birdies on the 10th, 12th, 14th, and 18th holes. Her momentum continued into the back nine with further birdies on the 3rd, 7th, and 9th holes, with her only blemish being a bogey on the 4th.

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I went on vacation to Sweden last week, and the golf course I played was links-style. It definitely had an effect. I hope to continue the momentum for the remaining three days.

Speaking to LPGA Tour media, Shin emphasized the importance of tee shots on the course and her focus on hitting the fairways. "I concentrated on landing on the fairway, and when I had birdie opportunities, I succeeded, so I finished well," she said. She also noted the positive impact of a recent vacation in Scotland, where she played links-style courses. "I went on vacation to Sweden last week, and the golf course I played was links-style. It definitely had an effect," Shin added. "I hope to continue the momentum for the remaining three days."

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Putting was really good. I really like it.

Kim A-lim is positioned in third place, one shot behind the leaders at 5-under-par 67. The 2020 U.S. Women's Open champion is aiming for her fifth career LPGA Tour victory. Other notable Korean players include Jeon In-ji and Yoon Ina tied for 21st at 1-over-par, while Hwang Yu-min is tied for 33rd at 2-over-par. World number one Nelly Korda is tied for 14th at even par.

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I've played in the Scottish Open six times, and I know that every hole has its own characteristics. That really helps a lot.