Jeeno Thitikul Fires 7-Under 64 to Lead Women's British Open by Two

Jeeno Thitikul opened the Women's British Open with a 7-under 64, carding three consecutive birdies to secure a two-shot lead over Haeran Ryu and Shiho Kuwaki.

Jeeno Thitikul surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Women's British Open on Thursday, carding a 7-under 64 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. The 23-year-old Thai golfer holds a two-stroke advantage over Haeran Ryu and Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki, who both opened with rounds of 66. Thitikul, one of only two players to reach world No. 1 without a major title, ignited her afternoon round with three straight birdies and avoided bogeys for the remainder of the day.

Ryu Chases Third Straight Major Title

Haeran Ryu moved into a tie for second place by recording two birdies over her final three holes to finish at 5-under. Ryu enters this championship having won the last two majors, including the Women's PGA at Hazeltine and the Evian Championship, where she closed with a round of 60. A victory this week would make her the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win three consecutive majors. Ryu attributed her recent success to a calmer demeanor and enjoying the game more alongside her caddie.

Shiho Kuwaki, a two-time winner on the Japan LPGA this year, matched Ryu’s 66 in her seventh career major appearance. Kuwaki navigated strong winds to produce three consecutive birdies on the front nine, dropping only a single shot during her round. Trailing the leaders by three strokes are Celine Boutier and Yealimi Noh, who both signed for 4-under 67s.

Thitikul Returns to Royal Lytham

Thitikul’s history at Royal Lytham & St. Annes dates back to 2018, when she earned low amateur honors at the venue. During that appearance, she finished with a 12-over 300 total when the course played to a par 72. Her stated strategy for this week is to surpass that 15-year-old self’s performance. To maintain her lead, she successfully navigated the course’s signature pot bunkers, saving par from greenside sand on two occasions.

Despite being replaced at the top of the world rankings by Nelly Korda in April, Thitikul expressed a patient approach toward her pursuit of a maiden major. She noted that while she has yet to win one, her focus remains on controlling her performance against the course rather than the leaderboard. Her best previous major finish occurred at the Evian Championship a year ago, where she lost in a playoff to Grace Kim.

Korda and Hull Face Opening Deficits

Nelly Korda, who won the first two majors of the season, struggled to a 1-over 73. Her round included four bogeys, continuing a difficult stretch following a missed cut at the Evian Championship in June. Meanwhile, English favorite Charley Hull sits five shots back after an opening 69. Hull, playing in her home country, admitted to feeling pressure and missing several short putts despite staying within contention.

Also finishing at 3-under 69 was Stanford senior Paula Martin Sampedro. The reigning Women's British Amateur champion was positioned near the lead before late bogeys on the final holes, including a dropped shot at the 18th, prevented her from tying the amateur scoring record for the Open. The field continues play at the final major of the LPGA season as Thitikul attempts to secure the missing prize of her professional career.