Historically speaking, Thailand has not been good to Nasa Hataoka. In three previous appearances at the Honda LPGA Thailand, her best finish is a tie for 31st in 2021.
A wiser Hataoka, however, put together one of three 63s in a scorching-hot opening round to take a share of the lead with Australia’s Su Oh and Esther Henseleit of Germany.
The ninth-ranked Hataoka hit all 14 fairways and 18 greens in her flawless lap around the Old Course.
“(This is the) first time we know the golf course, so I know the bad position and good position,” said Hataoka, whose previous best round on the Old Course was a second-round 67 in 2021. “I missed the bad position, so that’s why I play really good today.”
A five-time winner on the LPGA, Hataoka most recently claimed the 2021 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
LPGA Thailand: Leaderboard
Oh chipped in for birdie on the sixth hole and rolled in a 4-footer to save par on the 18th hole to card a career-best 9 under. The 63rd-ranked Aussie hasn’t had much luck in Thailand previously either. In four past appearances, her best finish is a tie for 54th in 2017.
Meanwhile Henseleit is making her debut this week in Thailand. The two-time LET winner called it stress-free golf.
“I just didn’t make any big mistakes, I think,” she said. “My irons were good.”
Celine Boutier’s parents, Christopher and Jacqueline, moved to France from Thailand, and she has extended family out watching her this week.
The former Duke star sits two shots back along with Jennifer Kupcho, Brooke Henderson, Alison Lee, Lindsey Weaver-Wright and Nanna Koerstz Madsen.
Last year’s Honda Thailand champion, former No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, struggled to an opening 74.
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