Jeeno Thitikul, ranked second globally, has established a two-stroke lead at the AIG Women’s Open following an impressive seven-under 64 at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s. The 23-year-old Thai golfer navigated the course without a single bogey, keeping her quest for a maiden major title firmly on track. Although she has recorded 11 top-10 finishes in majors, she has yet to secure a victory.
Haeran Ryu from South Korea and Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki follow in a tie for second place at five-under. Ryu, currently aiming to join the elite group of women who have won three majors in one year, showed resilience with a strong finish. Meanwhile, English players Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remain in contention at two-under.
World number one Nelly Korda struggled during her opening round, finishing at two-over 73 after carding four bogeys. Other notable figures like Miyu Yamashita and Lydia Ko ended the day at one-over and even-par respectively. Thitikul’s round was highlighted by seven birdies, including three consecutive efforts on the front nine and several critical saves for par.
