Kuala Lumpur: Michelle Koh bounced back from a triple setback to provide some cheer on an otherwise gloomy day for the Malaysian challenge at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia on Friday.
The former national traded four birdies against three bogeys to return with a one-under 70 at the East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country, leaving her bunched with seven others in a tie for 42nd on even-par 142.
A costly double bogey mid-way through her round saw Kelly Tan settle for an even-par 71 to lie three strokes further adrift on 145 alongside Aretha Pan, who carded a one-over 72.
There was second consecutive 73 for Ainil Johani Abu Bakar while debutant Michelle Low (79) and Jean Chua (84) continued to struggle, propping up the rest of the field at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Michelle, who began her day on the 10th tee, got off to a great start when she birdied the second but suffered a near breakdown as she dropped three straight bogeys starting at the 16th to make the turn on 38. The 24-year-old rookie displayed a positive mindset as she notched three birdies on the way back to offset the damage.
“I know I could have done better but I’m very happy with how I finished up. I went out there with the right mentality and my shot-making and putting was a lot better,” said Michelle.
“I don’t know what happened at the end of my first nine. On 16th, I got into a little bit of trouble with my tee-shot and it sort of led from one trouble to another trouble. I dropped a bogey there and two-putted the next hole.
“But the alarms bells really went off after I sent my approach shot on the ninth (18th hole) into the water. I told myself that I needed to get my head back together and reign in my game. Sure enough, I hit a birdie on the tenth (first hole) and that kind of got me rolling again,” added the rookie professional.
Michelle admitted that she was at a stage when she was beginning to enjoy the experience of playing alongside some of the world’s best players in the S$2 million tournament.
“I think things are looking pretty good. Game is looking very positive at the moment. I am putting some technical changes into work, so being able to play well, I’m really happy. I told myself, go out there and have fun. Birdies will come and put a bigger smile on your face,” noted the Kuantan lass, who finished as the best amateur with a 10-over 294 overall last year.
