If you needed any reminder of just how talented Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul is, the opening round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s delivered it in spectacular fashion. The world number two put on an absolute masterclass on Thursday, carding a sensational seven-under-par 64 to storm to the top of the leaderboard and set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling week of elite women’s golf.
Thitikul’s round was the kind of performance that makes galleries stop in their tracks. The young Thai superstar was sharp off the tee, precise with her irons, and coolly confident on the greens — a combination that had her rivals scrambling just to keep up. A two-shot cushion at the end of day one might not sound like a runaway lead, but when you’re playing with the kind of controlled aggression Jeeno showed, those two shots can feel like a whole lot more.
Hot on her heels are a pair of hungry chasers who are more than capable of making a serious charge. South Korea’s Ryu is right in the mix, bringing the kind of steely, experienced game that has made Korean golfers such a dominant force on the women’s tour for years. Meanwhile, Japan’s Kuwaki is also lurking just behind, adding an exciting international flavor to what is shaping up to be a genuinely competitive leaderboard.
Royal Lytham & St Anne’s is one of those classic links venues that demands creativity and patience in equal measure. The coastal winds can shift in an instant, turning a comfortable round into a real battle for survival. The fact that Thitikul navigated the course so brilliantly on day one suggests she arrived at this major in peak form — and that should have her rivals more than a little nervous heading into the weekend.
With three rounds still to play, plenty can change, and major championships have a wonderful habit of throwing up surprises. But right now, all eyes are firmly on Jeeno Thitikul. She is playing with a swagger and a consistency that screams major champion in waiting. Could this be her week to finally claim one of golf’s biggest prizes? Buckle up — this tournament is just getting started.
