Meen-Whee takes lead in Las Vegas

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS

Kim Meen-Whee birdied two of his final three holes for a 6-under 65 and a one-stroke lead Friday in the PGA Tour’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

The 25-year-old South Korean player birdied all three par-5 holes at TPC Summerlin, Nos. 13 and 16 on his first nine and No. 9 on his second nine.

“I had a really good putting all day,” Kim said. “Didn’t miss any putts. I think I didn’t do any stupid mistakes all day. I think that was key. The greens were a little slower than what I expected like the last two years. But it was still fast and firm.”

John Huh was at 66 with J.J. Spaun, Ryan Blaum and Alex Cejka. Jimmy Stanger also was 5 under with three holes left when play was suspended because of darkness.

Kim was fourth two weeks ago in South Korea in the PGA Tour’s CJ Cup.

“It’s a nice start. I feel more comfortable,” Kim said. “I played really good and my fans were really happy. ... Yeah, it’s nice. I think I’m in a really good position on Thursday right here in Las Vegas. I feel really comfortable. Just happy.

Huh birdied four of his last six holes and had only 24 putts.

“Any time you putt under 30, I think it’s a good round,” Huh said. “That’s the key that I was able to shoot 5-under par today.

Spaun rebounded from consecutive bogeys to birdie three of the last four.