The South Korean former world No.2 shot a 28 on her first nine holes at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club on Thursday, which included an eagle on the 17th, and then came home with a 34 on her second nine holes.
It was her low round of the year and comes after she finished third in September in the last LPGA event — the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
"It was really fun to play the front nine," said Kim, describing her opening birdie streak after starting her round on the 10th as a "good vibe".
Celine Boutier of France was two shots behind with a 64, and American Lucy Li was three back with a 65.
Round 1 birdie fest for — LPGA (@LPGA) @celineboutier! 👀 pic.twitter.com/lPDtbEPXBKOctober 10, 2024
In a tight field, four players carded 66s to trail by four shots: Leona Maguire of Ireland, Peiyun Chien of Taiwan, Muni He of China, and Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand.
Seven players were in at 67 and just five shots back, including defending champion Angel Yin of the US and Australia's Minjee Lee.
Compatriots Hira Naveed (73) was one over and world No.7 Hannah Green (77) five-over par.
Two of the LPGA's top players — Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko — are not in the field this week. Both are entered next week in the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.
With AAP.
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