Day 1 Report

The cream rose to the top in a fascinating first round of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, which ended with last year’s runner-up, Charley Hull, one shot clear of Nelly Korda and Ruoning Yin.

World number six Yin held sole possession of the lead for almost nine hours, courtesy of a magnificent four-under 68 compiled in the toughest conditions of a gusty day on the Old Course.

However, as the winds finally eased in the evening, Hull and Korda both took full advantage, with the former birdieing the final hole to overhaul Yin with a five-under 67.

Korda picked up shots on each of the last two holes to match Yin’s 68, while the third member of the marquee grouping, defending Champion Lilia Vu, was also ominously placed in a six-way share of fourth on three-under with Jenny Shin, Mi Hyang Lee, Andrea Lee, Patty Tavatanakit and Mao Saigo.

Another major winner, Hyo Joo Kim, and Momoko Osato shared 10th on two-under, while Olympic Champion Lydia Ko and 2018 AIG Women’s Open Champion Georgia Hall were among a clutch of players one shot further back, the latter benefiting from a sensational eagle two on her final hole, the 9th.

Star trio emphatically live up to top billing

There was no doubting the most eye-catching group in the draw for rounds one and two and Hull, Korda and Vu certainly lived up to expectations as they combined for a 12-under aggregate that was a remarkable 11 shots better than any other trio.

Hull, three-times a runner-up in majors including her second-placed finish behind Vu at Walton Heath 12 months ago, was even-par after eight holes, but caught fire around the turn with birdies at the 9th, 10th and 12th.

An opportunity to pull level with Yin was missed at the par-5 14th, after she had been close to the green in two, but Hull – driving with immense confidence – responded brilliantly with immaculate birdie threes on the 15th and 18th, where her second shot came close to going in.

World number one Korda provided a wonderful example of how to navigate the Old Course, picking up strokes on both par-5s, the short par-4 9th – where she drove the green – and the final hole, which played as the easiest in round one.

Korda also claimed a bonus birdie on the Road Hole 17th, following a superb drive and approach, while her sole dropped shot came on the challenging 8th, the site of Hull’s only bogey.

Vu’s best work came earlier in the round as she turned in 33 with the aid of a lengthy birdie putt on the 7th and an extraordinary putt from at least 70 feet on the 1st.

Last year’s Champion then held position on the back nine, remaining firmly in contention for a successful defence of the trophy she claimed 12 months ago.

Yin shows her class in brutal winds

Although she was ultimately overhauled by Hull and matched by Korda late in the day, Yin could be proud of a magnificent performance on a morning that saw gusts in the region of 40mph.

The winner of last year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship had a four-stroke lead at one stage after moving to six-under through 14 holes, at a point when most players were fighting a losing battle to break par.

The highlights of Yin’s charge were provided by a sensational approach that set up a three on the 17th, her eighth hole, and two more in gusting cross winds on the 3rd and 4th that were followed by a glorious up-and-down on the par-5 for a third birdie in succession.

Bogeys on the 6th and 8th ensured Yin slipped back to four-under, but she remained clear at the top of the leaderboard until Hull and Korda prospered in somewhat calmer conditions.

Shortest holes serve up fiendish tests

The Old Course only has two par-3s and both the 8th and the 11th provided the sternest of examinations on Thursday.

As crosswinds wreaked havoc, there were only five birdies all day across the two shortest holes, all of them coming at the 8th but four of those arriving deep into the evening when it was considerably calmer.

The 11th played as the hardest hole on the course, with an average score of 3.639 and 13 players making double-bogey or worse.

All five amateurs shine

Many players, particularly the earlier starters, described conditions as among the toughest they had faced, but all five amateurs in the field stood up to the test superbly.

The top-two players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Lottie Woad and Julia Lopez Ramirez, each carded even-par 72s along with Women’s Amateur Latin America champion Ela Anacona, who parred her first 15 holes.

Louise Rydqvist and Chun-wei Wu also coped well with the high winds, shooting 74 and 75 to leave the race for the Smyth Salver – awarded to the best-placed amateur who completes 72 holes – wide open.