Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama Lead the Women’s Open After a Day of Contrasts
In the Women’s Open, held in Porthcawl, Wales, Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama share the lead after a first round marked by the performance of the Japanese players and a mixed day for Lottie Woad. Takeda, with a card of 67 strokes (-5), recovered from a double bogey on the 9th hole with four birdies in the last seven holes. Okayama, for his part, achieved a crucial birdie on the 17th hole. The Japanese presence was notable, with Miyu Yamashita in third position with 68 strokes. Three other Japanese players were among the top twelve. Lottie Woad, after a standout month in women’s golf, including a victory on the Ladies European Tour and a second-place finish in an LPGA major, finished with a par card (72 strokes).Nelly Korda, world number one, finished with 70 strokes, with three birdies and one bogey. Korda is looking for her first victory of the year, after seven titles in the previous season. Mao Saigo, winner of the first LPGA major of the year, and Chisato Iwai, winner of the Riviera Maya Open, were in the group of 69 strokes. Mimi Rhodes, leader of the LET money list, also signed a card of 69 strokes. Rhodes, who grew up playing near the course, commented that the wind conditions were more manageable than expected.I had a good number of birdies, just a few bogeys on the front nine that could definitely have been avoided.
Lottie Woad
