After the initial round of the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, Canadian teenagers found themselves close behind leader Miyu Yamashita from Japan.
Yamashita delivered an impressive season-low score of 62 on the 6,452-yard, par-70 layout of the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, placing her just one stroke ahead of compatriot Nasa Hataoka and two strokes clear of Kiara Romero from the United States.
Seventeen-year-old Anna Huang from Vancouver and 18-year-old amateur Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, were three strokes off the lead, both shooting 5-under-par 65, tying for fourth alongside China’s Ruoning Yin and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida.
The 25-year-old Yamashita, who secured victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic in Belmont, Michigan, last June, made a total of eight birdies during her round.
“It’s been some time since I finished a round in a strong position,” she remarked. “My putting was really on point, which made me feel great.”
Brooke Henderson, the defending champion from Smiths Falls, Ontario, aimed for her third victory in her home LPGA event, finishing her round at 3 under par after making a birdie.
“I felt it was significant, and it felt wonderful,” Henderson stated. “I really desired it. I hit it strongly. I’m pleased it went in.”
“Scores are low out here today, especially among the leaders, so I’m eager to go out tomorrow, make plenty of birdies, and try to catch up to them.”
Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player from the United States, also finished at 3 under.
Both Huang and Xing were in a position to make the cut on Friday for the first time in their respective careers after two previous attempts.
“Making the cut would be a significant achievement for me, and I hope to play well over the weekend,” said Huang, who has won four European Tour events in the past 11 months.
“I feel much more confident this year compared to the previous ones, and the support from the crowds really boosts my morale.”
Xing was a last-minute addition to the tournament field, receiving a sponsor’s exemption.
“As an amateur, one of my primary goals is to make the cut at an LPGA event, especially since it’s in Canada,” she noted. “It would mean a great deal to me.”
The opening round took place under predominantly overcast conditions, with temperatures reaching 24°C and the occasional haze from insect repellent.
Edmonton has experienced 56 centimeters of rain since June 1, creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes.
“I’m getting eaten alive,” a caddie exclaimed while applying more spray at the midway point.
Most female competitors opted for long pants and sleeves, facing consequences if they chose otherwise.
“It’s bad. Really bad. Just look at my arms,” Xing remarked, dressed in short sleeves. “I’ve been bitten all over the front, but none on the back.”
She emphasized the importance of avoiding the rough areas, which not only harbor insects but also can snag club heads.
“When the rough is against you, it can be quite challenging to make solid contact, so hitting fairways is essential here,” Xing explained.
Huang mentioned 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 stated.
Henderson began her back nine with three consecutive birdies after turning at even par. Unfortunately, her tee shot and second shot landed in the rough on the 16th hole, leading to a bogey.
“Finding the rough or not striking the ball well can be quite punishing, so sticking to the fairways is crucial,” she said. “After each bogey, I managed to quickly recover with a birdie, which is important.
“At three under, I’ll definitely need a bit more tomorrow, but it’s a solid start.”
Clairey Lin, a 16-year-old amateur from Langley, British Columbia, finished her tournament debut with a score of 68.
Tour veteran Maude-Aimee Leblanc from Sherbrooke, Quebec, joined her at 2 under par. Leah John from Vancouver recorded a score of 1 under 69, while Savannah Grewal from Mississauga, Ontario, shot 70.
Other Canadian amateurs included Lauren Kim from Surrey, British Columbia, Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng, and Shauna Liu from Maple, Ontario, who all finished at even par. Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos ended at 2 over, and Eileen Park from Red Deer, Alberta, carded a 78.
Katie Cranston from Oakville, Ontario, shot a 74, while Alena Sharp from Hamilton recorded a 77, and Calgary’s Tillie Claggett finished with a score of 78.