Atthaya Thitikul and Ryu Hae-ran posted leading scores during the first round of the Women’s British Open on Thursday [1].

The opening round establishes the early momentum for a major championship where golfers compete for one of the most prestigious titles in professional golf.

Thitikul, representing Thailand, recorded a seven-under 64 [2]. This score represents the lowest ever recorded in the women’s Open at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in north-west England [3]. According to MSN, Thitikul sits two shots clear at seven under par as she pursues her first major title [4].

South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran also posted a strong start to the tournament. Ryu shot a five-under 66 [5]. Reuters said Ryu began her hunt for a third successive major with that score to sit on top of the first-round leaderboard at the breezy course [6].

While both players surged early, the leaderboard remains tight. Some reports indicate Ryu sits one shot back after a first-round 67 [7]. The competition continues at the historic Royal Lytham site as the field narrows toward the final rounds.

“Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul made the perfect start to her quest for a first major”

The record-breaking performance by Atthaya Thitikul signals a shift in the competitive landscape of the Women's British Open. By matching the course record at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Thitikul has positioned herself as a primary contender to break the dominance of established major winners like Ryu Hae-ran.