Jeeno Thitikul took the lead Thursday with a 7-under 64 during the first round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open [1].
The opening round sets the pace for the major championship, establishing early momentum for Thitikul in her pursuit of a first major title.
The tournament is being held at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England [2]. Thitikul's 64 [1] placed her at the top of the leaderboard following the first day of competition on July 30 [3].
Other competitors faced more challenging conditions on the course. Brooke Henderson finished the opening round with a 72, leaving her one-over par [4].
Highlights from the day showcased the top shots and critical moments as the field navigated the links. The performance by Thitikul marks a strong start for the golfer as she seeks to secure a major championship victory [1].
Play continues this week as the field works to maintain or recover their positions on the leaderboard. The event remains a focal point for the LPGA as the world's top golfers compete in the challenging English environment [2].
“Jeeno Thitikul took the lead Thursday with a 7-under 64”
Thitikul's dominant opening score provides a significant cushion and psychological advantage heading into the subsequent rounds. For Henderson, a one-over start requires a consistent correction to remain competitive for the title, illustrating the volatile nature of links golf where a few strokes can drastically shift a player's standing in a major.
