CHONBURI, Thailand – The LPGA Tour’s Asian swing commenced with impressive performances at the Siam Country Club Old Course, where Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and local favorite Chanettee Wannasaen seized a joint lead after Thursday’s opening round of the LPGA Thailand tournament.
Hataoka, a five-time LPGA individual champion and 2021 U.S. Women’s Open runner-up, demonstrated exceptional precision throughout her bogey-free round. The 27-year-old golfer carded a 7-under 65, attributing her success to superior tee shots and iron play that created abundant birdie opportunities.
Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen matched Hataoka’s score, delighting home crowds with an equally impressive performance that positioned her atop the leaderboard alongside the Japanese standout.
Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh delivered the day’s most explosive start, opening her round with an eagle followed by three consecutive birdies. Dryburgh finished one stroke behind the leaders at 6-under 66, sharing third position with South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi and Somi Lee.
The tournament features a tightly bunched leaderboard with world-class talent lurking close behind. Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and former world number one Lydia Ko posted solid 67s, placing them among a ten-player group tied for sixth position just two strokes off the pace.
Defending champion Angel Yin opened her title defense with a respectable 3-under 69, remaining within striking distance of the leaders.
Notably absent from the Asian swing is world number two Nelly Korda, who won the season-opening Tournament of Champions in February under unusual circumstances when adverse weather conditions forced cancellation of the final round. Korda has opted to skip the three-tournament Asian segment for the third consecutive year, missing events in Thailand, Singapore, and China.