NAPLES, Fla. – It’s entirely possible that Jin Young Ko could win the money title after playing in only four events in 2020. The $1.1 million paycheck that’s on the line here at the CME Group Tour Championship would put Ko ahead of the tour at $1,667,925.
“I think the other players hate me,” said Ko, laughing. “My caddie Dave (Brooker) said (it). It’s not my thinking. … so I said, OK, let’s go hiding.”
The World No. 1 opened the CME with a 4-under 68 that included seven birdies. Florida native Lexi Thompson paces the field at 7 under.
Inbee Park leads the money list with $1,365,138. While it’s not a winner-take-all event, prize money drops significantly from first to second place. The runner-up this week will earn $258,000.
Ko enters the final event 13th on the money list with $567,925. She began her 2020 LPGA season in November at the Pelican’s Women’s Championship, where she tied for 34th. She took solo fifth at the Volunteers of America Classic in early December and a share of second at the U.S. Women’s Open, where she rallied with two birdies in the last three holes to shoot 68 and qualify for the CME.
While Ko played in several events on the Korean LPGA, she said she battled frigid conditions back home and had limited practice areas. After a rather pedestrian start in Florida, Ko practiced quite a bit in Dallas ahead of the VOA and now, every part of her game feels good.
The two-time major winner said she’s in the market for a house in the U.S. and has her eye on the Frisco, Texas, area after staying with M.J. Hur for a week. She likes warm weather and direct flights from Dallas to Seoul.
“Before the U.S. Open, I haven’t (any) money because I send to Korea all my monies,” she said, “so I need to get the monies from the U.S. Open. But I had good round, good finish, so I having money a little bit.
“But I need more this week.”
How to watch
Friday
1-4 p.m., Golf Channel
Saturday
1-4 p.m., Golf Channel
Sunday
12-3 p.m., NBC
Watch Golf Channel for free on FuboTV.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.
