Kim, ranked 14th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), made five birdies, while an early eagle on the 4th hole was negated by a late double bogey on the par-4 16th.

Last week, Jin Young Ko – Kim’s mentor, idol and roommate during the national team’s winter training in Vietnam earlier this year – won the HSBC Women’s Championship title on the LPGA Tour in the island nation. Kim revealed she joked with the World No.3 professional that she’d attempt to win the WAAP title.

It was a brilliant start by the Korean star, who was five-under-par through seven holes with birdies on the 2nd, 6th and 7th, to go with her impressive eagle on the 4th, where she hit her 4-hybrid from 190 yards to four feet. Kim made a disappointing double on 16, especially frustrating as she hit a good tee shot, but pulled her second and three-putted after chipping onto the green.

“I was hitting most of my shots left until yesterday. But it was much better today and I especially hit my iron shots well. I tried to hit my driver confidently and it was good. The putts also fell. I just started telling myself, let’s believe in the swing,” Kim told media following her opening round.

“But it is just the first round of the championship. Still three rounds left. I hope to continue to move forward towards winning the championship.”

South Australian, Caitlin Pierce was the best placed Aussie on day one, opening with a one-under-par 71 which left her sitting in a tie for 11th with six other players. Queenslander, Sarah Hammett not far behind in a tie for 18th after opening with an even-par 72.

Play in the second round is underway with Kim yet to get her day underway.