After the initial round of the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, Canadian youth were close on the heels of leader Miyu Yamashita from Japan.
Yamashita recorded a season-best score of 62 on the 6,452-yard, par-70 Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, placing her one stroke ahead of fellow Japanese golfer Nasa Hataoka and two strokes clear of Kiara Romero from the United States.
Vancouver’s Anna Huang, aged 17, and 18-year-old amateur Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, were tied for fourth at 5-under-par 65, just three shots off the lead, alongside China’s Ruoning Yin and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida.
The 25-year-old Yamashita, who clinched victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic in Belmont, Michigan, last June, achieved eight birdies during her round.
“It’s been some time since I ended the first round in a strong position,” she commented. “My putting was really solid, which made me feel great.”
Defending champion Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ontario, aiming for her third triumph in this home LPGA event, ended her round with a birdie to finish at 3 under.
“I felt it was extremely significant and it felt wonderful,” Henderson remarked. “I really wanted it. I struck it with great force. I’m pleased it went in after hitting the hole.”
“The scores are quite low today, especially for the leaders, so I plan to go out tomorrow and make several birdies to catch up with them.”
World No. 1 Nelly Korda from the United States also finished at 3 under.
Both Huang and Xing found themselves in a position to make the cut on Friday for the first time in their careers, having attempted it twice before.
“Making the cut would be a significant achievement for me, and then I hope to play well over the weekend,” stated Huang, who has won four tournaments on the European Tour in the past 11 months.
“I’m definitely much more confident than I was in previous years coming into this event, and the crowds really helped too.”
Xing was a late addition to the tournament, receiving a sponsor’s exemption.
“As an amateur, making the cut at an LPGA event is one of my top goals, particularly since it’s in Canada,” she expressed. “It would mean a lot to me.”
The first round took place under predominantly cloudy conditions, with a temperature of 24°C and occasional clouds of insect repellent in the air.
The city of Edmonton has experienced 56 centimeters of rain since June 1, making it a haven for mosquitoes.
“I’m getting completely destroyed,” remarked one caddie as she applied insect repellent during the turn.
Many players opted for long pants and long sleeves, facing consequences if they chose otherwise.
“It’s terrible. Just look at my arms,” said Xing, who wore short sleeves. “I’ve been bitten all over the front, but none on the back.”
This further emphasizes the need to avoid the rain-soaked rough, which harbors insects and can snag club heads, she added.
“Especially when the ball is against the thick grass, getting a solid hit can be quite challenging, so keeping it in the fairways is essential here,” Xing noted.
Huang shared that she was bitten even through her pants and long sleeves.
“I would prefer to wear shorts, but due to the bugs, that’s not an option,” she mentioned.
Henderson made birdies on her first three holes of the back nine after turning at even par. However, she found the rough on her tee shot and second shot on the 16th hole, resulting in a bogey.
“If you end up in the rough or aren’t hitting well, it can be really punishing, so it’s crucial to stick to the fairways,” she explained. “Each time I made a bogey, I managed to bounce back with a birdie relatively quickly, which is vital.
“Being three under is a solid start, but I will need to improve tomorrow.”
Clairey Lin, a 16-year-old amateur from Langley, B.C., recorded a 68 in her tournament debut.
Tour veteran Maude-Aimee Leblanc from Sherbrooke, Quebec, also finished at 2 under. Vancouver’s Leah John posted a score of 1-under 69, while Savannah Grewal from Mississauga, Ontario, recorded a 70.
Other Canadian amateurs included Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng, and Shauna Liu of Maple, Ontario, who all finished at even par. Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos was at 2 over, and Eileen Park from Red Deer, Alberta, shot a 78.
Katie Cranston from Oakville, Ontario, carded a 74, Alena Sharp from Hamilton scored a 77, and Calgary’s Tillie Claggett ended with a score of 78.