KIM LOVES BEING IN FOR WEEKEND
AMERICAN Kim Kaufman says she is hopeful her opening two rounds at the Vic Open are a sign of things to come as she looks to recapture her best form again this year.
Kaufman had a disappointing 2018 season, where she missed the cut in her last five tournaments on the LPGA Tour and slipped to 241 in the world rankings.
But the 27-year-old backed up her six-under on the Beach course on Thursday with a seven- under 66 on the Creek course yesterday to take an outright lead in the women’s field at 13-under.
Japanese gun Horu Nomura is two strokes at 11-under while Aussie Su Oh sits at 10-under par.
Kaufman said taking advantage of the scoring opportunities when they came her way had proved crucial to going low on consecutive days.
“I had a really tough year last year,” she said.
“The last time I was in the final group on Sunday was the 2017 Tour Championship, about 13 months ago.
“It’s just nice to be back . . . it was a long year last year, we worked hard and you just have to keep believing in yourself, so hopefully it’s our week.
“We’re just playing solid, giving ourselves a lot of chances, which is what you’ve got to do out here.
“Sometimes it’s just got some teeth without wind so it’s just kind of navigating those ups and downs, so we’re doing a good job.”
Like many of the players at Thirteenth Beach this week, it is Kaufman’s first appearance at the Vic Open, but she has adapted to the conditions seamlessly, scoring only two bogeys in two days.
The former Texas Tech star said it was hard not to be impressed by the tournament’s format and revealed she would be encouraging her colleagues back home to come to Geelong in 2020.
“Last year was when I kind of heard about it and I’ve been pretty outspoken about coming down here and it’s lived up to every expectation, which
has been great,” Kaufman said.
“I followed Matteo Manassero and had guys behind us, and I think it’s really cool and I’m just urging everyone to come play. “I just think it’s such a great thing they’re doing, equal pay and we all want more prizemoney and equal prizemoney.
“Maybe it’s not $10 million, but it is someone who’s starting to do this and I think it’s awesome. We come down for the Australian Open anyway, which we hope to get into, so why not come and enjoy an extra week down here.”