Hyo Joo Kim chases unprecedented third consecutive LPGA victory in Las Vegas. Coughlin, Hataoka and Yamashita share early lead.
Hyo Joo Kim is one shot off the lead after the opening round of the LPGA Tour Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, positioned to pursue an historic third consecutive victory on the women’s circuit.
Kim, who finished at 4-under par, has claimed back-to-back titles over the past two weeks. A victory this week would make her the first player since Nelly Korda in 2024 to achieve three straight LPGA wins—a rare feat in modern professional golf.
Sharing the lead at 5-under par after round one are Lauren Coughlin, Nasa Hataoka, and Miyu Yamashita. Korda, who is also among the contenders at 4-under, sits one shot back alongside Kim after an impressive eagle on the par-5 18th hole.
Close Rivalry at the Top
The leaderboard shows intense competition at Shadow Creek, with multiple players within striking distance of the leaders. Kim’s recent momentum has been undeniable—she has defeated Korda in consecutive tournaments, claiming runner-up finishes for the world number one. This week offers another opportunity for Kim to prove her current form against one of golf’s elite competitors.
Korda’s eagle on 18 kept her firmly in contention, demonstrating the shot-making ability that has established her as one of the game’s most consistent performers. The four-day event features the world’s top 20 players and carries a purse of $4 million, with co-sanctioning between the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour.
Coughlin’s opening 65 puts her in position to add to her recent strong performances, while the international contingent of Hataoka and Yamashita proved competitive on the Las Vegas course. Three rounds remain to determine the champion at Shadow Creek.