South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran and China's Liu Yan delivered flawless performances on Thursday, each carding bogey-free 7-under 65s to lead the Chevron Championship’s storm-interrupted first round. Meanwhile, defending champion Nelly Korda faced a rocky start, struggling to a 5-over 77 at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas.
Leaders Shine in Suspended Opening Round
Ryu, a two-time LPGA Tour winner, dominated early with five birdies in her first 10 holes, crediting a recent putter switch for her precision on the greens. "It's really good for me," she said after sinking multiple challenging putts. Liu, seeking her first Tour victory, attributed her strong showing to improvements off the tee: "This week, I fixed my driver, so it feels very solid."
Korda’s Defensive Struggles
World No. 1 Korda, aiming to regain her 2023 dominance, faltered with four consecutive bogeys early and two more on the back nine. The 12-stroke deficit leaves her fighting to survive the cut Friday. "I’m going to go practice and see where it takes me," she vowed post-round.
Weather Disrupts Play
Twenty-four players will resume the first round Friday after thunderstorms halted play. South Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo (67) sits two strokes behind the leaders following a closing bogey, while others like Patty Tavatanakit trailed closely.
The season’s first major continues Friday, with Ryu and Liu aiming to extend their momentum amid unpredictable conditions.
