Japan’s Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda share the lead in the opening round at the AIG Women’s Open, after both carding an impressive five-under-par (67) at Royal Porthcawl.
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Okayama overcame a shaky start – dropping a shot on the opening hole – by rebounding with five birdies on the front nine and adding another at the 17th.
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“My tee shots were pretty good today, so I was able to play without any major issues”, said the Japanese player.
The 29-year-old continued: “I made one or two long putts, both about five meters long, and had quite a few chances to get within two metres.”
Heading into the major, she admitted she wasn’t feeling her best due to a lingering back injury.
“I hadn’t been able to practice much until last week. I’ve hurt my back a few times this year, within the last month or so, and since then I’ve had to take a break from domestic tournaments. I’ve barely been able to practice up until this point, so I’ve been taking it easy and taking care of myself.”
Okayama booked her place at Royal Porthcawl courtesy of her runner-up finish in the Suntory Ladies Open in June.
Joining her at the top is compatriot Takeda, who carded seven birdies in a strong opening round. A double bogey on the 9th hole didn’t worry the recent LPGA winner, as she carded a low score in Wales.
“I had a double bogey today, but I was able to quickly change my mindset, and it was good that I was able to do that”, said the 22-year-old.
“Other than that, I was able to save par and make some birdie putts, so I played very consistently. I played really well today, but it’s only the first day, and you never know what’s going to happen on this course, so I will just do my best tomorrow.”
Six Japanese players sit in the top 13 after just 18 holes of the final major of the season, in what were unpredictable weather conditions.
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Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, who was in the same group as Takeda, sits one-shot back in solo third place, after firing a round of four-under par.
The 23-year-old had an impressive front nine with four back-to-back birdies, then made even further moves with an eagle on the 9th hole.
“My shots weren’t that close today, but I think my mid-range putts went in and helped me improve my score. I think my putting was on point today. The shots themselves were really good.”
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Yamashita has a strong track record from her three appearances at the AIG Women’s Open, finishing 13th on her debut at Muirfield in 2022, before a T21 placing at Walton Heath in 2023.
It’s a tight leaderboard with a total of 10 players sit in a tie for fourth place, all firing opening rounds of three-under par. England’s Mimi Rhodes, Belgium’s Manon De Roey, Germany’s Laura Fuenfstueck, Austria’s Emma Spitz, Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki, Mao Saigo and Chisato Iwai, South Korea’s Ina Yoon and In Gee Chun, and America’s Alexa Pano, are only a further shot back.
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Rhodes, the current leader on the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit, overcame setbacks with dropped shots on the 2nd, 10th, and 14th holes, but countered them with four birdies and a brilliant eagle on the 9th.
Reflecting on her first AIG Women’s Open, she said: “It was definitely very mental out there. I had to really concentrate on the tee shots and pick smaller targets and just not get ahead of myself. I was just trying to stay in the moment and soak it all in, have loads of fun.”
The three-time LET winner was playing alongside Solheim Cup star Carlota Ciganda. “I always have a lot of fun playing with Carlota. We just had good chat. She always has really good at energy. I learned a lot from her when I’m on the course. She’s patient out there, and I try and be like her.”
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The 24-year-old managed a practice round at Royal Porthcawl, where members described the conditions as the windiest they’d ever witnessed – giving her a useful edge heading into the major tournament.
Fuenfstueck was one of the 11 LET stars at the Final Qualifier on Monday who got their way into the final major of the season.
“I’ll take that. Very pleased with how it went today. I didn’t really have a bad start but just struggled to get the speed right on the greens and just had a couple three putts and missed a couple. Not really short ones but testing ones I would say. So, happy to fight back and finish three-under par today.”
She continued: “I’ve been so tired the last few days and I’ve only seen both nines once. I think at the moment I feel alright. Obviously a bit high on adrenaline as well, but I’m just so excited to be here. Such a privilege to play at this course and in this tournamen
