SOUTH Korean expatriate Tom Kim fired a one-under-par 71 yesterday to take a two-shot lead over Ryan Monsalve after the first round of the Philippine Junior Amateur Open stroke play championship at Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite.
Kim shot nines of 37-34 after birdies on Nos. 10 and 14 to pace the talented field even as Harmie Constantino, fresh off a runner-up finish to LK Go in the match play championship last week in Cebu, fired a 68 to pace the girls’ division.
Ira Alido trailed Monsalve, the former Southwoods club champion, by another shot after a 74 with the reedy Lanz Uy, who played for Luisita in the PAL Interclub last month, shooting a 77 to remain within striking distance.
Ko Myeong-hun carded a 78 with Peter Po shooting a 79 and Jolo Magcalayo and Joaquin Gomez shooting 80s.
Constantino had five birdies in her 34-34 card and took a commanding four-shot lead over Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso.
The Country Club mainstay Mikha Fortuna had a 75 to be seven shots back, two ahead of Ashia Nocum.
Rupert Zaragosa, who was the men’s champion in Cebu, played in the 18-and-above category and easily set a five-shot lead over Ivan Monsalve with a 73. Musong R. Castillo