China's Liu Yan and South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai ended the first round of the LA Championship in a tie for the lead, each carding impressive 9-under par rounds of 63 at El Caballero Country Club. Sweden's Frida Kinhult closely trailed the leaders by just one stroke, with a group of five players following closely behind.
Liu Yan overcame an early bogey to deliver a strong performance, including three consecutive birdies and an eagle on the 16th hole. Meanwhile, Buhai, the 2022 British Open champion, maintained a flawless round with consistent play and strategic putting. Other notable players in contention include Kinhult, who closed her round with three birdies, and a chasing pack at 7-under, featuring players like Jenny Shin and Nelly Korda.
The leaderboard remains tight, with American Nelly Korda, last year's Tour Player of the Year, positioned four shots behind the leaders after a round marked by strong ball-striking and a streak of four consecutive birdies.