China’s Xiyu “Janet” Lin got off to a nice start at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Thursday, shooting a 3-under 69 on the Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club even though she struggled some with her ballstriking.
“I'm really proud of myself,” Lin said. “Getting to this week, this is another course I never played before. I mean, because we just had another major two weeks ago, and these two courses (Olympic and AAC’s Highlands) are completely different to each other. I mean, during the practice round, it didn't seem as hard, but today every hole I was so nervous when I'm hitting a drive.”
Teeing off on No. 10, Lin was 1 over through eight holes, then played her last 10 in 4 under. She birdied the third, fourth and ninth holes coming in for 69.
As many young Chinese players do, Lin looks up to Shanshan Feng, who has been the face of golf for the country, winning an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016. But she has an interesting connection. The first day Lin ever visited a golf range to hit balls, it was Shanshan’s father who took her there.
“So I know her when she was 17, and she know me when I was 8,” Lin said, smiling. “It's so nice to have a big sister like her because, obviously, when I joined the Tour, she's already been out here, and it's a major winner already. She's always so open for anything, like I can ask any questions, and she always gave the best advice.”
