World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul, known as Jeeno, has seized the lead at the AIG Women’s Open, carding an impressive opening round. She is closely trailed by several international competitors, with Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen also making a strong start, currently tied for sixth place. The tournament, a prestigious major championship, is testing the mettle of the world’s top female golfers.
Jeeno’s Dominant Performance
Jeeno, a rising star in women’s golf, demonstrated why she is ranked second in the world with a stellar performance in the first round. She is aiming for her maiden major championship title, having previously achieved a runner-up finish at the Evian Championship in 2025. Jeeno spoke about the unique challenge and reward of major championships, stating, “The majors really test our games mentally and physically. When you play good in a major, even top five or top 10… you feel great and then you have more confidence going to play just regular tournaments. It’s about beating the course when you’re in a major.”
Her round was highlighted by a remarkable stretch of four birdies in five holes on the front nine, followed by three more birdies on the back nine. Reflecting on her play, Jeeno expressed satisfaction, noting, “I do enjoy it when golf is good. It’s really nice that I knew I hit some good shots, but (I got) lucky bounces over the pot bunkers. When it’s your way, it’s really your way. I knew I had a really good putter today, too.”
Close Contenders Emerge
Sharing the second position at 5-under par 66 are South Korea’s Haeran Ryu and Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki. Ryu, a formidable force this season, has already secured two major titles earlier in the year, including the Women’s PGA and the Evian Championship. She began her AIG Women’s Open campaign with six birdies and a single bogey, showcasing her consistent form.
Ryu commented on the challenging conditions, mentioning, “Today felt so tough because in the morning before the round there was a little rain, so I (thought), ‘Please no rain today.’ Weather is pretty good and the wind is still hard… My golf is pretty good.”
Kuwaki, at just 23 years old, is making her seventh major appearance. Her previous best major finish was a tie for 14th at the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year. Like Ryu, she recorded six birdies, including crucial ones on the 16th and 18th holes to finish strongly, alongside one bogey. Kuwaki attributed her success to strategic play, stating, “I managed my game well despite the strong winds and I was able to hole some key putts. I stay focused throughout the round and finished with such a good score.” She added, “My shots were very consistent and making a putt of about six meters early in the front nine really helped me get into a good rhythm.”
Further down the leaderboard, Yealimi Noh of the United States and France’s Celine Boutier are tied for fourth place at 4-under par 67. Boutier notably played a bogey-free round, featuring two birdies and an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. She described the eagle moment: “I was able to hit a solid 6-iron on my second shot and reach it in two. I had about a 20-footer or so, slightly uphill and right to left, so tried to give it a good run and it kind of like went around the hole and went in, so it was a nice surprise.” Boutier added with a touch of relief, “I honestly thought it was going lip out, but, yeah, happy that it went in.”
Thai Talent and Notable Players
Representing Thailand, Chanettee Wannasaen is among a group tied for sixth place at 3-under par 68, signaling a promising start to her tournament. She shares this position with Japan’s Chizzy Iwai.
A significant logjam exists at 2-under par, with nine golfers vying for position, including prominent English players Charley Hull and Lottie Woad.
World No. 1’s Challenge
World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who has dominated the season by winning the first two majors, faced a tougher opening round. She is currently tied for 53rd place after shooting a 2-over par 73. Korda’s round included early bogeys on holes 2 and 3, followed by a recovery with birdies on the 6th and 8th holes. However, she conceded further bogeys on the 11th and 15th holes, making for a challenging start.
Other Notable Scores
Several other well-known players are positioned throughout the field. Jennifer Kupcho is tied for 17th at 1-under par. Lydia Ko from New Zealand is at even par. Yuka Saso of Japan and Canada’s Brooke Henderson are both at 1-over par. Rose Zhang is currently at 3-over par, while Jin Young Ko of South Korea is at 4-over par.
Looking Ahead
As the AIG Women’s Open progresses, the challenging course and competitive field promise further drama. Jeeno’s strong start sets a high benchmark, but the depth of talent, including Ryu, Kuwaki, and Wannasaen, suggests a compelling contest for the coveted major championship title. The coming rounds will reveal who can best navigate the course and the pressure of major championship golf.
