With a typically classy finish, Minjee Lee has fired an early warning to her rivals at the Women’s British Open in Wales. Australia’s resurgent superstar negotiated some wild and windy morning conditions to post a solid first-round 2-under-par 70, sitting three shots off the lead.
Bidding to win a fourth career major after her victory at June’s PGA Championship, Lee offset three bogeys with five birdies at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. After a disappointing six on the reachable par-five 13th, Lee rebounded with a brilliant sand-save birdie on the last hole, tying for 14th place.
Australian Contenders in the Mix
Fellow Australians Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels are one stroke further back, tied for 30th. Kim, one of nine Australians featuring at golf’s final major of the year, was also well positioned four shots off the clubhouse lead with a one-under 71. After backing up Lee’s PGA Championship win in June with a stunning finish at the Evian Championship, Kim held her nerve down the stretch to stay in the mix in Wales.
Kim was 1-over at the turn before collecting two birdies on the back nine, remaining in the hunt for back-to-back majors. Ruffels joined Kim at 1-under with a similarly hot finish and birdie at the last. “I think I played super solid on the front nine as well,” she said. “Started to get it together on the back nine and make a few more putts. I think I was three-under on the back nine. Really happy with that.”
Japanese Players Lead the Pack
Eri Okayami and Rio Takeda carded 5-under 67s to share the first-round lead as the Japanese contingent shone in the early stages. Compatriot Miyu Yamashita was a shot behind, while Chisato Iwai, Shiho Kuwaki, and Mao Saigo all posted 69s, with Japan accounting for six of the top 13 positions.
“I don’t think I’m going to complain with a two-under start,” Lee said. “Some of the holes are just beasts out there. Sometimes you’ve got to take what you get and just make a bogey and get out of there and reset, try and make a better score on the next hole.”
Weather Challenges and Strategic Play
Lee admitted it had been a battle of attrition against the elements, saying, “Just try to keep grinding it out the next three days as well hopefully. This whole week, literally I think the best word to describe it is a ‘grind’. That’s kind of what you’re going to get throughout these weeks, this week anyway with the conditions.”
The amount of wind was up-and-down throughout the day, adding to the complexity of the course. “Knowing that, really just trying to hit fairways and greens and just make a lot of pars,” Lee added. The conditions have tested the mettle of all competitors, with some struggling to adapt.
Challenges for Other Australians
Compatriot Steph Kyriacou endured a problematic round to finish 2-over, while it was a tough start for fellow Australians Karis Davidson (5-over) and Kirsten Rudgeley (6-over). Out-of-form world number 11 Hannah Green and Cassie Porter are almost certain to miss the halfway cut after both opened with 7-over 79 shockers.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on how players adapt to the unpredictable weather and challenging course conditions. With several strong contenders, the Women’s British Open promises to be a thrilling competition, showcasing the resilience and skill of the world’s top golfers.
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