Japanese Players Shine at Royal Porthcawl

Rio Takeda showcased remarkable resilience at the Women's Open, overcoming a double bogey at the turn with four birdies in her final seven holes to card a 5-under 67. This stellar performance placed her at the top of the leaderboard alongside Eri Okayama, who also delivered a strong round, highlighted by a crucial birdie on the 17th hole.

A Japanese Surge

Japanese players dominated the leaderboard, with Miyu Yamashita trailing closely with a 68. The opening round saw a significant Japanese presence, with three players within the top 12. The challenging wind conditions kept scores from going too low, yet nearly half the field managed to stay at par or better.

Lottie Woad's Mixed Day

Lottie Woad, the recent Scottish Open champion, had a mixed day, finishing with an even-par 72. Despite some early bogeys, Woad managed to stay in contention, birdieing the par-5 18th to end her round on a high note. She played alongside defending champion Lydia Ko and double major winner Lilia Vu, both of whom struggled to find their rhythm.

Nelly Korda's Steady Play

Nelly Korda, the world No. 1, faced early challenges but maintained composure, finishing with a 70. Her round was marked by key pars and three birdies, keeping her in the hunt despite the tough conditions. Korda, still seeking her first win of the year, demonstrated her ability to navigate the course effectively.

Other Notable Performances

Mao Saigo and Chisato Iwai, both LPGA major winners, were part of a large group at 69. Mimi Rhodes, leading the LET money list, also finished at 69, showcasing her familiarity with the challenging conditions at Royal Porthcawl.

Looking Ahead

With the second round set to begin, all eyes will be on Takeda and Okayama as they aim to maintain their lead. The Japanese contingent's strong start has set the stage for an exciting tournament, with several players poised to make a move up the leaderboard.