LET/KLPGA/CLPGA: 2017 SGF67 World Ladies Champ. with SBS

However, there were signs of nerves on the first play-off hole when Kim drove right from the 18th tee into the black lava rocks and took an unplayable drop. Despite appearances, Kim said: “On the first play-off hole, I was delighted that I found my ball even though I had to declare it unplayable. I felt that was a chance and it helped me. I was focused on getting a par.”

A delicate chip to tap-in distance set up Kim’s par and the pair then returned to the 18th tee after Bae’s birdie putt of eight feet ended just wide of the hole.

On the second play-off hole, Bae chipped her ball six feet past the hole and faced another birdie putt on a similar line, but again, her ball ended just wide on the right side.

Kim smelled blood and duly made her birdie putt. She said afterwards: “I watched Bae’s game and her micro-expressions and knew what she was thinking deep in her mind. That’s the key. I knew her and I could adjust my strategy according to her expressions.”

Bae wasn’t too disappointed and said: “I feel fine, because it was just the first tournament of 2017 and there are 29 more to be played. I didn’t hit a bad shot, it was just an unlucky day.”