Round one report

Jeeno Thitikul is still only 23 years old, yet in a sense it feels strange that such a supremely talented golfer has yet to win a major.

That could all change on Sunday.

The Thai superstar – who has already racked up 22 professional wins – is leading the AIG Women’s Open after shooting a record seven-under 64 in the first round at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The world number two won the Smyth Salver, awarded to the Championship’s low amateur, at this same course as a 15-year-old in 2018. Three more good rounds could see her achieve a rare double, and emulate a special feat achieved by Georgia Hall, Anna Nordqvist and Lydia Ko.

Playing in a group with Lauren Coughlin and defending Champion Miyu Yamashita, Jeeno came out firing, sinking four birdies in the opening eight holes to reach the turn in 31.

She picked up further shots at the par-5 11th and then the 13th.

Lorena Ochoa (twice), Grace Park and Minjee Lee had previously carded the lowest score (65) in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham.

One more nerveless putt on 15 put a 64 on Jeeno’s radar – and she closed out with three comfortable pars to set a new record and hold a two-shot lead going into Friday.

Jeeno’s putter was hot all afternoon. She needed just one putt on seven holes and two-putted the other 11. Not a three-putt in sight.

She simply could not miss.

Haeran's major mission

With Jeeno not teeing off until 1:15pm BST, it was left to Haeran Ryu [below] – winner of the last two majors – to set the early pace.

In a blockbuster group alongside 2024 Champion Lydia Ko and four-time major winner Nelly Korda, the Korean was as cool on the greens as Jeeno was deadly.

Haeran set her stall out immediately, birdieing the 1st. Like Jeeno, she found three more birdies before the turn.

Her only blemish was a dropped shot at the 15th, which she immediately got back at the 16th.

And she signed off with a birdie in front of Royal Lytham & St Annes’ famous clubhouse, setting a five-under target for the rest to catch.

No golfer has won three consecutive majors since the great Inbee Park in 2013. With her opening-day 66, Haeran has given herself every chance of chasing down another piece of history.

Japan to the fore – again

Japanese golfers dominated the leaderboard on the first two days at Royal Porthcawl last year, with Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda occupying the top two places on the leaderboard after round one.

There is a similar flavour at Lytham this year, with four Japanese stars sitting ominously in the top 10 after 18 holes.

In just her second Championship appearance, Shiho Kuwaki is T2 alongside Ryu after matching the Korean’s tally of six birdies and one bogey in a powerful display, while Chizzy Iwai (-3), last year’s Chevron Championship winner Mao Saigo and Takeda (both -2) complete the Japanese quartet.

Paula's love of links

Paula Martin Sampedro finished T8 12 months ago, winning the Smyth Salver in the process.

The 2025 Women’s Amateur Champion has picked up where she left off, once again leading the chase for the top-amateur prize.

Paula only picked up one shot on the front nine, but caught fire coming home with birdies on 10, 11 and 12 [above]. The 20-year-old stumbled on 15 and 18 yet her two-under 69 was the best tally by any player from the unpaid ranks.

Home front

The AIG Women’s Open wouldn’t be the AIG Women’s Open without hordes of home fans cheering Charley Hull’s every move.

The 30-year-old [above] made a dream start by picking up a shot at the par-3 1st.

Charley – ever the entertainer – only registered three pars in the opening 11 holes, blending three bogeys with four more birdies.

Runner-up twice in the last three years, Charley sits in a tie for eighth after day one. Also in this position is 2024 Smyth Salver winner Lottie Woad who, alongside Jeeno and Celine Boutier, was one of only three players to not drop a shot on Thursday.

Like Charley, new mum Georgia Hall – Champion at Royal Lytham in 2018 – also received a warm reception on every tee box and around every green as she signed for a five-over 76.

Another English player, Alice Hewson, had the honour of hitting the opening tee shot. Buoyed by this, Alice birdied the 1st and was one of seven golfers to eagle the par-5 6th, as she posted a one-under-par 70.

Leaderboard

-7 Jeeno Thitikul
-5 Shiho Kuwaki, Haeran Ryu
-4 Celine Boutier, Yealimi Noh
-3 Chizzy Iwai, Chanettee Wannasaen