The AIG Women's Open 2025 kicked off with a thrilling first round at Royal Porthcawl, where Japanese golfers Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda emerged as joint leaders. Both players finished the day at five under par, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency on the challenging links course.

Lottie Woad, the rising star from England, struggled to find her rhythm, finishing the day at level par. Despite her recent successes, including two tournament wins and a near-miss at a major title, Woad was unable to capitalize on her opportunities during the opening round. She managed to birdie the first and sixth holes but failed to build momentum, ultimately signing for a 72.

Key Highlights:

• Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda lead the pack at -5.
• Lottie Woad is five shots behind, finishing at level par.
• Mimi Rhodes is the leading Briton at three under par.
• Defending champion Lydia Ko finished one over par.

Player Reactions:

Woad admitted her round was a mixed bag, saying, "It was a bit mixed. It's one of those rounds that could have got away from me, so I am happy I hung in there." Meanwhile, Darcey Harry, a local favorite, expressed her surprise at finishing two under, stating, "I didn't think I would come off with two under par today. I was just super nervous, but it was great out there."

Weather Conditions:

The first round was played under breezy conditions with intermittent rain, testing the players' adaptability and resilience. Despite the weather, scoring was generally good, with several players posting impressive rounds.

Looking Ahead:

Woad will need to step up her game in the second round to ensure she makes the cut and stays in contention. She will tee off at 08:09 BST on Friday, playing alongside past champions Lydia Ko and Lilia Vu.

Charley Hull, the 2023 runner-up, had a rollercoaster round, finishing one over par after a series of birdies and bogeys. Hull's playing partners, Jeeno Thitikul and Minjee Lee, ended the day at two under par.

Conclusion:

The Women's Open promises more excitement as the competition heats up. With strong performances from the Japanese duo and a determined field of contenders, the tournament is set to deliver thrilling golf action in the coming days.