Staff WriterIf the ANNIKA has a habit of exposing pretenders, Haeran Ryu clearly didn’t get the memo. She marched into Pelican Golf Club and opened with a rock-steady 64, planting herself at the top of the board and letting the rest of the field sort out the mess behind her. And at an event named for ANNIKA Sorenstam — someone who never shied away from a tear-up — Ryu’s refusal to blink felt right at home.
Ryu didn’t just play well; she played like someone who’d been waiting for this moment. Seven birdies, including a four-hole sprint through Nos. 4–7, flawless driving (14/14 fairways), and a putter that behaved like an obedient retriever.
This is the third time she’s opened with a 64, but when you’re flying as clean as she was, no one’s checking the record books — they’re checking the leaderboard to see if she’s already out of reach.
“I’m so happy to make some a lot of birdies today,” she said. “I think — I don’t remember to this score at this year — I think this score is a long time ago I hit it, and I’m so happy to I got the great score in Florida.”
Fair enough. When everything’s firing, the details get blurry.
Kim and Kupcho Keep the Pressure On
Grace Kim sits one shot back after a polished 65, carding six birdies and a single bogey with the kind of control that makes everyone else grumble into their yardage books. She also hit all 14 fairways — a neat little reminder that she’s not here for the holiday lights.
Kim’s year has been a slow burn, but she’s finding her teeth again.
“Yeah, I guess at the start of the year I was quite low with my self-confidence… You don’t need your A-game and 100% to get it done. That definitely was a big learning curve and I’m very grateful for the year that I’ve had so far.”
Jennifer Kupcho is right behind her at 66 — six birdies, two bogeys, and a quiet sense that she’s stalking something bigger. With the Aon Risk Reward Challenge on the line, Kupcho knows exactly what she’s playing for.
“I would be lying if I wasn’t trying to go after that hole a little bit this week… Hopefully I can throw in an eagle. That would be great.”
Feherty would’ve approved.
A Logjam at 67 — and a Story in Every Card
Four players share T4 after posting 67s: Somi Lee, Mao Saigo, Leona Maguire, and Charley Hull. Each got there the hard way.
- Somi Lee: Four birdies and a bogey, 25 putts, and swinging with the swagger of a Rolex First-Time Winner.
- Mao Saigo: Six birdies, three bogeys, and the confidence of someone representing the Japanese wave sweeping the Tour.
“One of them wins then other one feels like, okay, we can do it.” - Leona Maguire: A grinder’s 3-under with typical precision.
“You just have to hit good golf shots… It always brings out the best in everybody at this point in the season.” - Charley Hull: Six birdies, a bogey, a double, and enough volatility to make popcorn a legitimate hazard. That’s Charley. Wouldn’t have her any other way.
Defending Champ Korda Opens With a 71
Nelly Korda, who turned this place into her personal playground last year, could only muster a 71 — her highest round ever at this event. She’s not out of it, but she’ll need to get a move on.
Sponsor Invites Struggle to Get Going
- Lauryn Nguyen: 71
- Anne-Sterre den Dunnen (a): 72
- Kai Trump (a): 83
Pelican doesn’t hand out shortcuts. ANNIKA wouldn’t either.
Who Is Haeran Ryu? A Look at the Leader
- Rolex Rankings: No. 13
- Race to CME Globe: 24
- 2025 LPGA Wins: 1
- Career LPGA Wins: 3
- Career Earnings: $5.5M
- Cuts Made in 2025: 17 of 21
She’s steady, she’s confident, and she’s been building towards a week like this. One win already this season, three top-10s, and only one missed cut in her last eight starts. ANNIKA herself would appreciate the relentlessness.
Scoring Marks This Field Is Chasing
- 18-hole record: 61 (Amy Yang, 2023)
- 36-hole record: 128 (Emily Kristine Pedersen, 2023)
- 54-hole record: 192 (Pedersen, 2023)
- 72-hole record: 261 (Lilia Vu, 2023)
Records make noise at the ANNIKA. Ryu’s start suggests we might hear from them again.
A Touch of Nostalgia From Rose Zhang
Rose Zhang, quietly lurking at -2, offered one of the day’s warmest moments when speaking about ANNIKA Sorenstam:
“It’s honestly incredible to come here and play Annika’s event as a professional… She just said, smell the roses… To come back and see how she has provided a route for every single pathway… it’s honestly really astounding.”
It’s a reminder that this week isn’t just about birdies and bogeys. It’s a nod to the woman whose name is on the marquee — someone who built pathways, opened doors, and showed an entire generation what excellence looks like.
Day One Verdict
Ryu’s in command, Kim and Kupcho are prowling, and a fistful of contenders are close enough to make things spicy. The ANNIKA always delivers a proper scrap, and this year is shaping up to be no exception.
If Ryu keeps hitting every fairway in sight, the rest of them may need to borrow ANNIKA’s old playbook — the part that says win early, win often, and don’t bother apologising for it.
