Mindy Kim fired an 8-under 64 to grab sole possession of the lead after the first round of the LPGA State Farm Classic at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill. Kim birdied five straight holes, starting on hole No. 2, to get off to a hot start. After hitting a speed bump with a bogey on the ninth, Kim caught fire again on the back nine with four more birdies en route to firing the lowest round of her career. Last week, Kim finished in a tie for eighth place at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, which was her third top-10 finish in six events this season.
Jiyai Shin and Sarah Kemp sit two shots back of Kim after shooting 6-under 66 in Thursday’s first round. Both Kemp and Shin, who finished runner-up to Brittany Lincicome last week, hit 13 of 14 fairways over the course their rounds.