Miyu Yamashita Fires 8-Under 62 to Lead CPKC Women's Open in Edmonton

Miyu Yamashita leads the CPKC Women's Open by one stroke after carding a first-round 62 at Royal Mayfair.

Miyu Yamashita surged to the top of the CPKC Women's Open leaderboard on Thursday, carding an 8-under 62 at the Stanley Thompson-designed Royal Mayfair. The Japanese golfer holds a one-stroke advantage over compatriot Nasa Hataoka, who finished her opening round at 7-under par. Yamashita secured her lead during the morning wave, punctuating her performance with a birdie on the par-4 ninth hole. This performance follows her recent success at the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, which added to her 2023 victories at the Women's British Open and the Maybank Championship.

Kiara Romero occupies third place after shooting a 64 in her debut round as an LPGA Tour member. The 20-year-old earned her status through the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway, becoming the second player to do so after Lottie Woad achieved the feat last year. Romero sits one stroke ahead of a three-way tie for fourth at 65, which includes 17-year-old Anna Huang, 18-year-old amateur Michelle Xing, and China's Ruoning Yi. Huang, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, entered the national championship with four career wins on the Ladies European Tour, including two titles earned during the current season.

Canadian Teenagers and International Contenders

Michelle Xing, representing Richmond Hill, Ontario, managed her 65 while preparing to start her freshman year at UCLA. Her strategy focused on speed control due to a high volume of long putts throughout the day. Meanwhile, Nasa Hataoka’s bid for a share of the lead faltered on her final hole, where she recorded a bogey on No. 9. Both Japanese leaders noted the lack of wind at the Edmonton venue, though they expressed frustration regarding the heavy presence of mosquitoes on the tree-lined course situated by the North Saskatchewan River.

Jennifer Kupcho led the next tier of competitors, posting a 6-under 66. World number one Nelly Korda opened the tournament with a 67, matching the score of Canadian favorite Brooke Henderson. Henderson, who previously won this event in 2018 and 2025, remarked on the low scoring conditions and stated her intent to pursue the leaders with a high birdie count during Friday's second round.

Course Conditions at Royal Mayfair

Lydia Ko, the 2013 champion at this specific Edmonton course during her time as an amateur, began her week with a even-par 70. The Royal Mayfair layout is characterized by its location near downtown, tucked into a bend of the river. Yamashita noted that despite the insect activity, she was pleased to find her putting rhythm early in the tournament, marking a departure from her recent opening-round struggles.

Anna Huang attributed her position on the leaderboard to increased confidence compared to her previous appearances in the national championship. The scoring environment remained aggressive throughout the first day, with the top ten players all separated by five strokes or fewer. The field continues play on Friday as they chase Yamashita's 8-under benchmark.