Mental game helps Auston Kim take 1st-round lead at HSBC Women’s World Championship

The American cards seven birdies and a bogey in the opening round of the US$3 million tournament. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – A year ago, Auston Kim endured a rough start at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship, opening with a six-over 78.

On Feb 26, it was a completely different story, as the American golfer carded a six-under 66 to seize the outright lead in the first round in Singapore, one shot clear of China’s Liu Yan.

It demonstrated an impressive turnaround from her struggles at the same event a year ago, and a big part of the world No. 39’s performance comes from improving the mental aspect of her game.

“I just I feel like I can handle things a lot better and I’ve been talking with my mental coach as well,” said the 25-year-old, who finished tied-39th at the 2025 edition.

“There are a lot of things that I’ve changed and a lot of things I feel like I’m doing better. Today was a testament to what we’ve been working on, and I’m working hard on what I can control.

“One of the things we talked about this past week was trying to win each day, win each shot, and I feel like I did a really good job of it.”