Full Breakdown
Nasa Hataoka and Chanettee Wannasaen Share Lead at LPGA Thailand
2/20/2026, 2:56:18 AM
Opening Round Highlights
In the opening round of the LPGA Thailand tournament held at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Chonburi, Thailand, Nasa Hataoka of Japan and Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand both shot impressive 7-under-par 65s, tying for the lead. This tournament marks the first of three consecutive LPGA events in Asia. Hataoka, a seasoned player with five individual LPGA victories and a runner-up finish at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I think my tee shots and iron shots were pretty good today, and that’s why I was able to create so many birdie chances.”
Wannasaen, competing in her home country, also showcased her skills by recording nine birdies against two bogeys. She concluded her round with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole and hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation. Reflecting on her performance, she noted, “Today, I played really well on the approach shot.”
Competitors and Standings
Following Hataoka and Wannasaen, Gemma Dryburgh, Somi Lee, and Hye-Jin Choi are tied for third place with scores of 6-under 66. Dryburgh's round included an eagle on the par-5 10th hole, marking her return to the LPGA after becoming a mother seven weeks prior. The leaderboard is tightly contested, with ten players, including world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko, tied for sixth at 5-under 67.
Notable Absences
Notably absent from the tournament is Nelly Korda, the world’s second-ranked player, who is skipping the early Asia swing for the third consecutive year. Korda recently won the LPGA's season-opening Tournament of Champions but will not participate in the upcoming events in Singapore and China.
Criticism & Opposition
While the tournament has drawn attention for its competitive field, some critics have pointed out the absence of top players like Korda, which may impact the overall viewership and excitement surrounding the event.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today was a good start,” — Nasa Hataoka
- “I have a lot of memories on this course.” — Chanettee Wannasaen
- “'Just grateful for everything that I really put the work in and it just pay off,' Thitikul said, reflecting on her career after the first round.” — Jeeno Thitikul
Conclusion
As the LPGA Thailand tournament progresses, the performances of Hataoka and Wannasaen set a high standard for the upcoming rounds. With a tightly packed leaderboard and several strong competitors, the tournament promises to deliver exciting golf in the days ahead.
