Japanese golfers dominated Day 1 of the Women's Open Championship as Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama fired matching 5-under 67s to share the lead at Royal Porthcawl! 🏌️♀️ Takeda battled back from a double bogey with four birdies in her final seven holes, proving why she's one of 20 LPGA winners this year. Meanwhile, Okayama delivered clutch shots like her 12-foot birdie on the 17th using a fairway metal. Talk about #PressurePerfection!
🇯🇵 Japan locked down the top three spots, with Miyu Yamashita (68) close behind. Half the field stayed at par or better despite tricky coastal winds – but all eyes are on 21-year-old English rookie Lottie Woad. The former top-ranked amateur scrambled to an even-par 72 after her recent pro debut win at the Scottish Open. Can she channel her 'rookie magic' 🎱 to catch the leaders?
📊 Leaderboard Alert: T1. Takeda/Okayama (-5) 3. Yamashita (-4) T12. Three more Japanese players Woad: Even par (T40)
Friday's round promises drama as players chase the season's final major trophy! Who's your pick? 👀
