Full Breakdown
Jeeno Thitikul Takes Command of Opening Round at AIG Women’s Open
7/31/2026, 12:29:14 PM
Opening Round Highlights
World number two Jeeno Thitikul opened the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s with a bogey-free 7-under 64, taking a two-shot lead over South Korea’s Haeran Ryu and Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki. Thitikul began with three consecutive birdies and saved par from the few greenside traps she entered. Ryu posted a 66 (-5) after birdieing two of her last three holes, while Kuwaki also finished at five under par.
Background and Context
The 23-year-old Thai has been world No. 1 without a major victory, joining only one other player in that distinction. This season’s majors have been split between Ryu and United States’ Nelly Korda, who reclaimed the top ranking from Thitikul in April after winning the first two majors, while Ryu captured the next two. Thitikul’s best recent chance at a major came at the Evian Championship a year earlier, when she lost in a playoff.
Data & Statistics
- Thitikul: 64 (-7) – two-shot lead
- Ryu: 66 (-5) – tied with Kuwaki
- Kuwaki: 66 (-5) – two-shot behind leader
- Celine Boutier (France) & Yealimi Noh (USA): 67 (-3) – three strokes back
- Charley Hull (England) and Spain’s Paula Martin Sampedro: 69 (-1)
- World No. 1 Nelly Korda: 73 (+2) with four bogeys
Thitikul has recorded 11 top-10 finishes in majors but has yet to claim a title.
Official Statements & Responses
Thitikul said her focus is on beating her own previous scores rather than expecting a win each major week.
On-the-Ground Reports
Reporters highlighted the strong winds that day and the strategic importance of navigating the course’s “pot bunkers.” Thitikul’s ability to stay out of trouble and save par from the few greenside bunkers she entered was cited as a key factor in her low score.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I knew that I haven’t won one yet, but I feel like I’m so young and then I still had I don’t know how many majors ahead of me,” — Jeeno Thitikul
