Jeeno Thitikul opened the 2026 AIG Women’s Open with a bogey-free 64 to take a two-shot lead at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The Thai world number two reached seven-under-par with seven birdies, establishing the early pace in the final Major championship of the year. Haeran Ryu and Shiho Kuwaki share second place after rounds of 66.

Thitikul began her scoring run with three consecutive birdies from the fourth hole. She gained another shot at the eighth before further birdies on 11, 13 and 15 completed her bogey-free round.

“I do enjoy it when golf is good. It’s really nice that I knew I hit some good shots, but I got lucky bounces over the pot bunkers,” Thitikul said. “When it’s your way, it’s really your way. I knew I had a really good putter today too.”

Thitikul Draws on Royal Lytham Experience

Thitikul had previous success at Royal Lytham. She won the Smyth Salver as the leading amateur during the 2018 AIG Women’s Open, when she was 15 years old.

That experience helped her manage the links, although she recognised that favourable bounces around Lytham’s pot bunkers also played their part.

“The majors really test our games mentally and physically,” she said. “When you play good in a major, even top-5 or top-10, you feel great and you have more confidence going to play just regular tournaments. It’s about beating the course when you’re in a major.”

Ryu and Kuwaki Share Second

Ryu, the world number three and a two-time Major champion, recovered from her only bogey at the 15th with birdies on 16 and 18. Her 5-under round also included four birdies across the opening seven holes.

Kuwaki matched Ryu’s 66 after making six birdies and one bogey. The Japanese player credited consistent ball-striking and a six-metre putt early in her front nine for a steady start in the strong wind.

Yealimi Noh and Celine Boutier sit three shots behind Thitikul in a tie for fourth. Boutier’s bogey-free 67 featured an eagle at the par-five sixth, where she reached the green with a six-iron and converted from about 20 feet.

Chizzy Iwai and Chanettee Wannasaen share sixth on 3-under. Nine players are another shot back, including English pair Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, Singapore’s Shannon Tan, India’s Diksha Dagar and Spanish amateur Paula Martin Sampedro.

Woad hit plenty of fairways and greens during her bogey-free 69, making birdies at the sixth and 12th. Tan also signed for 69 after five birdies, one bogey and a double bogey.

The second round begins at 6.30am local time on Friday. The top 65 players and ties will qualify for the weekend.

Related: R&A Adds Digital Fan Tools and Broadcast Hours for AIG Women’s Open

Spectators can locate players around Royal Lytham, follow personalised recommendations and watch six additional hours across the opening two rounds.

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