Kim Sihwan shares St Omer Open lead
14 Jun 2012 - 21:19:43
America-based South Korea golfer Kim Sihwan, who is playing his first season on the European Tour, carved out a share of the lead in the first round of the St Omer Open on Thursday.
Kim shares a one-shot lead alongside Englishmen Adam Gee and Simon Wakefield after a four under par 67.
The 23-year-old, a Challenge Tour player, carded five birdies against one bogey.
"I missed in the right places," said Kim, who was born in Korea and moved to the USA when he was 12.
"I wouldn't say I was hitting the ball terribly, but I certainly wasn't striping it. I got some lucky bounces here and there.
"I've been working hard on my putting. My speed has been a little off and my short putting has been horrendous in my last two or three events."
Kim, Gee and Wakefield are one shot clear of Spaniard Raul Quiros, South African Darren Fichardt and Scotsman Raymond Russell.
Gee was sidelined for most of last season after hip surgery, but he is slowly working his way back to form this year and was encouraged by his opening round at Aa Saint Omer Golf Club.
"It's a good start," said the 31 year old, who finished with back-to-back birdies. "I had some good fortune today -- I hit the flag on the 17th and it went in, and on the 18th I hit a good shot from a bad lie and it ran up nicely to the hole."
