Women’s PGA Championship: In Gee Chun extends lead after record-breaking opening round

Incredibly, Chun had held a seven-shot lead on her return to the clubhouse, with her ferocious start catching the eyes of many across the golf world — none more so than two-time major winner Justin Thomas.

Though the margin had been cut to five by compatriot Hye-Jin Choi and Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum by the day’s close, Chun’s advantage still leveled the largest first round major lead in women’s golf history.

Chun’s feat was made even more impressive by the fact many players had struggled with the effects of overnight rain, with Choi and Phatlum the only other players to shoot under 70.

‘I don’t know what course In Gee is playing’

Defending champion Nelly Korda, having shot 71, marveled at Chun’s efforts.

“I don’t know what golf course In Gee is playing,” Korda said Thursday.

“She must be playing really well. I would think when I teed it up today, I would be very happy with the score that I shot.

“I think at the beginning part of the day you saw some higher numbers. In Gee is just playing really well, and applause to her. Sometimes it just has to be your week, right? You’re going to continue to stick to your game plan and hopefully shoot some good numbers coming into Sunday.”

Champion at the US Women’s Open in 2015 and the Evian Championship a year later, victory in Bethesda would end Chun’s six-year wait for another major.

And after a solid second round saw the South Korean card five birdies to maintain a healthy lead, Chun is set on maintaining her focus in her pursuit of the title.

“I feel like after I had a great first round, it’s now a game that’s going more me versus me,” she told reporters Saturday.

“I keep trying to make good focus, and I just want to keep trying what I did last two days. I think that’s the key to make win this week. Just go with the flow, do what I can do.”