Imagine starting a major golf tournament and suddenly finding yourself at the top of the leaderboard! That's precisely what happened at the BMW Ladies Championship in Haenam, South Korea, where seasoned LPGA veterans surprised many with their stellar performances.
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, two familiar names, 32-year-old Sei Young Kim and 34-year-old Lindy Duncan, an American player, emerged as frontrunners after the first round. Sei Young Kim absolutely dominated, carding an incredible 10-under 62, which included eight birdies and a stunning eagle, placing her firmly in the lead at the Pine Beach Golf Links. Lindy Duncan wasn't far behind, shooting a solid round to finish just two strokes back. Duncan's performance was boosted by birdies on three of her last five holes, demonstrating her strong finish. Hyo Joo Kim wedged herself between the pair after shooting a 63.
Sei Young Kim joined the LPGA Tour in 2015, just one year after Lindy Duncan. But here's where it gets controversial... while both have spent a considerable amount of time on the tour, their achievements differ significantly. Kim boasts an impressive 12 career LPGA victories, while Duncan is still seeking her first. Does this put more pressure on Duncan, or does it fuel her determination? It's a question worth pondering.
Kim's exceptional performance included a crucial birdie on the par-3 15th hole, which propelled her to 9-under and solidified her lead. Her success was undoubtedly influenced by the home-field advantage. "This is near my hometown, so I have lots of family, my cousins, a lot of fans," Kim noted. "So I had a great start from the first hole and all the way through 18th hole, getting a lot of support." The energy from the crowd can be a powerful motivator!
Rio Takeda also had a strong showing, shooting a 65 and landing in a tie for fourth place. Canadian Brooke Henderson carded a 67, and American Lucy Li provided one of the most memorable moments of the day. Li not only shot a 68, but she also aced the par-3 13th hole, winning herself a brand-new car! "It was a good number into the wind. I hit it right at the pin," Li said of her ace. "Thought it might end up a little short, but it went in. I just started freaking out. I was like, this is the hole-in-one hole. I've been complaining all week to my caddie about having not holed out this year." Can you imagine the excitement?
Defending champion Hannah Green had a mixed start, opening with consecutive birdies but struggling to maintain momentum, ultimately finishing with a 68, the same score as fellow Australian Minjee Lee. Green's win last year was particularly significant, marking her third victory of the 2024 season and making her the first Australian player since the legendary Karrie Webb to achieve three wins in a single LPGA Tour season.
And this is the part most people miss... Green has been facing some challenges recently. "My golf game hasn't been quite where I would like it to be. The last few months has been probably the most hard time I've had in my career," Green confessed before the first round. She spent three weeks back in Australia to reset, hoping to turn things around. Her recent performances included a tie for 28th and a missed cut in Canada in August, followed by a tie for 66th in Arkansas in September.
The BMW Ladies Championship marks the beginning of consecutive tournaments in South Korea. The International Crown team event is scheduled for the following week. Jeeno Thitikul recently became the first multiple winner on the LPGA Tour this season, securing a five-hole playoff victory in Shanghai over Minami Katsu. Katsu shot 68 on Thursday in South Korea. While Thitikul won't be competing this week, she will represent Thailand in the International Crown next week. Following the International Crown, the LPGA Tour will continue its Asian swing with two more events in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Japan.
Now, here's a question for you: With the pressure of the International Crown looming, do you think players are holding anything back in this tournament, or are they giving it their all? And what are your predictions for who will emerge victorious at the BMW Ladies Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the discussion going!
