Hyejin Choi Tied for Second by Two Shots... "First Victory Opportunity Arrives"

6-under-par in the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open
No wins since joining the LPGA Tour in 2022
Thitikul leads, Hae Ran Ryu in fourth, Korda tied for 14th

Hyejin Choi has laid the groundwork for her first victory on the LPGA Tour.

Hyejin Choi is teeing off at the 3rd hole of the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open. Jersey City, USA - Photo by AP Yonhap News

On May 8 (local time), at Liberty National Golf Club (par 72, 6,690 yards) in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, Choi shot a 6-under-par 66 in the first round of the LPGA Tour Mizuho Americas Open (total prize money of $3 million), tying for second place with Celine Boutier of France, two shots behind the leader. It was a flawless round, as she carded six birdies without a single bogey.

Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2022, Choi has yet to claim a tour victory. Her best result so far is a runner-up finish at the 2022 Canadian Women's Open. This year, her only top-10 finish is a tie for ninth at last month's major, the Chevron Championship.

Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand shot an 8-under-par 64 to top the leaderboard. Hae Ran Ryu, who won last week's Black Desert Championship, is tied for fourth at 5-under-par 67, raising hopes for a second consecutive victory. Ji Eun Shin is tied for 14th at 4-under-par 68, alongside world number one Nelly Korda of the United States and Minjee Lee of Australia. Rookie Yoon Yina is tied for 77th at 1-over-par 73.