Hataoka and Wannasaen Card 65s to Share Opening LPGA Thailand Lead

Nasa Hataoka and Chanettee Wannasaen sit atop the leaderboard at 7-under par following the first round at Siam Country Club.

Nasa Hataoka and Chanettee Wannasaen carded opening-round scores of 7-under 65 on Thursday to share the LPGA Thailand lead. Competing on the Siam Country Club Old Course, Hataoka utilized precise ball-striking to navigate the first leg of a three-tournament Asian swing. The 27-year-old Japanese professional, who previously finished as the runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Women's Open, sits at the top of the leaderboard alongside Thailand's own Wannasaen after 18 holes of play.

Trailing the leaders by a single stroke, Gemma Dryburgh posted a 6-under 66 to secure a share of third place. Dryburgh’s round began aggressively, featuring an eagle and three birdies during her opening stretch. She is currently level with Somi Lee and Hye-Jin Choi, both of whom also signed for 66s. The leaderboard remains crowded at the top, with a group of 10 players tied for sixth place after shooting 5-under 67s, including world number one Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko.

Hataoka Capitalizes on Iron Play

Nasa Hataoka credited her position at the front of the field to her performance off the tee and on approach shots. "I think my tee shots and iron shots were pretty good today, and that's why I was able to create so many birdie chances," the five-time individual LPGA winner remarked. In addition to her five solo titles, Hataoka has also secured the International Crown team event victory on two occasions. Her 65 on Thursday sets the pace for the field as the tour moves through Thailand, Singapore, and China in consecutive weeks.

Defending champion Angel Yin began her title defense with a 3-under 69. While Yin remains in the hunt, she trails the co-leaders by four strokes heading into the second round. The tournament marks a significant homecoming for Jeeno Thitikul, who is now 22 years old. Thitikul made her debut at this specific home event at the age of 14, a milestone she reflected on after her opening 67. She noted how quickly time had passed since her first appearance as a teenager, expressing disbelief at her journey from a 14-year-old local entrant to the top-ranked player in the world.

Notable Absences and Field Dynamics

While the leaderboard features several top-ten mainstays, world number two Nelly Korda is notably absent from the field. Korda, the recent winner of the season-opening Tournament of Champions, is not competing in Chonburi. This marks the third consecutive year that Korda has opted to skip the early Asian swing, which includes upcoming stops in Singapore and China. Her absence leaves the door open for players like Hataoka and Wannasaen to capitalize on the early-season standings.

Thitikul’s 67 places her just two shots back of the LPGA Thailand lead, maintaining her status as a local favorite. She described a moment of reflection in her hotel room the night before the round, imagining the distance she has traveled in her career since her debut. The 10-way tie for sixth place ensures that the second round will begin with high pressure, as nearly a dozen golfers sit within two strokes of the 7-under-par benchmark set by Hataoka and Wannasaen.

Tournament Outlook at Siam Country Club

The Siam Country Club Old Course continues to provide a scoring-friendly environment, as evidenced by the multiple rounds in the mid-60s. With Dryburgh, Lee, and Choi sitting at 6-under, the margin for error at the top is minimal. Hataoka's focus on creating birdie opportunities will be tested as the three-week stretch across Asia continues. Following the conclusion of play in Thailand, the tour will transition immediately to events in Singapore and China, making a strong start in Chonburi vital for season-long momentum.