With Lydia Ko out this week in order to rest for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational poses a huge opportunity for Inbee Park to challenge the 18-year-old for a couple season-long awards.
And the Korean is taking advantage.
Park posted an opening 4-under 68 at the Club de golf Mexico on Thursday to post a one-shot 18-hole lead. Park is second to Ko in the Rolex Player of the Year Award and the Race to the CME Globe races. She must finish T-8 or better this week in order to remain in the running for the Rolex honor.