HALF MOON BAY, Calif.—Ji-Yai Shin became a household name back home in South Korea and even somewhat in Japan after she won the Women’s British Open in August.

Now, the 20-year-old Shin is interested in raising her profile in the United States—with regular success on the LPGA Tour.

She shot a 5-under 67 on Thursday to take the first-day lead in the Samsung World Championship, topping Paula Creamer’s 68 that featured a birdie on 17 following a bogey on the previous hole.

“Everybody knows me as the British Open champion,” Shin said. “In Korea, the players say:...

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