If you were looking for a statement of intent at one of golf’s most prestigious major championships, Atthaya ‘Jeeno’ Thitikul delivered it in emphatic fashion. The Thai superstar and current world number two wasted absolutely no time making her presence felt at the iconic Royal Lytham & St Anne’s course, firing a breathtaking seven-under-par 64 to claim the first-round lead at the AIG Women’s Open.
Right from the very first hole, it was clear that Thitikul had come to play. Her round was a masterclass in aggressive yet disciplined golf — the kind of performance that leaves spectators on the edge of their seats and fellow competitors quietly impressed. Finishing two shots clear of the chasing pack, Jeeno has set the tone early and given every indication that she is the player to beat this week on the Lancashire coast.
For those unfamiliar with Thitikul’s story, this is a golfer who has been on an extraordinary trajectory over the past few years. Rising through the world rankings with a combination of raw talent, fierce competitiveness, and an almost unshakeable mental game, she has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting players on the LPGA Tour. A major title, however, remains the ultimate prize on her checklist — and this week could be the moment she finally checks that box.
Royal Lytham & St Anne’s is no pushover. The course has a rich history of separating the great from the merely good, with its tight fairways and challenging rough capable of humbling even the most seasoned professionals. The fact that Thitikul navigated it so brilliantly in round one speaks volumes about both her current form and her confidence heading into the tournament.
Of course, there are still three rounds to go, and major championships have a wonderful habit of throwing surprises our way. The chasing pack will be hungry, and conditions at a links course can shift dramatically from one day to the next. But right now, Jeeno Thitikul holds the advantage, and if her first-round heroics are anything to go by, the rest of the field may have a very difficult week ahead of them.
Keep your eyes on the leaderboard — this Women’s Open is already shaping up to be one for the ages.
