Andrea Lee's Closing Surge Takes First-Round Lead at Mizuho, Leaves Ko and Thitikul in Her Dust

Andrea Lee just turned Mountain Ridge Country Club into her personal playground on Thursday, and two of the best players on the LPGA Tour are now chasing her. The 27-year-old California native fired a 6-under 66 to grab the first-round lead at the Mizuho Americas Open in West Caldwell, New Jersey, holding a one-shot edge over Hall of Famer Lydia Ko and defending champion Jeeno Thitikul.

Here's what makes this run special: Lee birdied four of her last five holes. She started on the back nine and stumbled early with a bogey at the 11th, but responded immediately with back-to-back birdies at the next two holes. At that point, she was only 2 under through 13 holes. Then she went absolutely ballistic to close the round, finishing with an all-around flawless display: 14 fairways hit, 16 of 18 greens in regulation.

Lee's Patient Approach Is Paying Off

"I really didn't see 6-under today to be honest, so I'm quite pleased with that," Lee said after the round. Her game plan was simple but effective: stay patient, hit fairways and greens, accept pars as victories, and keep bogeys to a minimum. It worked. This marked her lowest round of the season as she hunts for her second career tour win and her first since September 2022.

Lee also shared her read on the course itself: "I think this is a great golf course for us, great test of golf. Honestly feels like a major championship just with how firm and fast the greens are and how tough the conditions are." The game plan moving forward remains unchanged. Stay patient.

Ko's Putter Is Hot Again, Thitikul Stays Close

Ko posted a 5-under 67 to sit just one shot back. The New Zealand legend, chasing her first win in 14 months, hit an eagle at the par-5 13th and credited her new putter for sparking life into her game. "I actually putted really well, which was a nice change," Ko said. "I haven't putted well since I shot 60 at the Ford Championship in March, and that week I had a new putter and this week I have a new putter."

World No. 2 Thitikul, defending champion, carded four birdies, one eagle, and just one bogey for a 5-under 67 as well. Her run at holes 6, 7, and 8 told the story: birdie, birdie, eagle. On that eagle, her tee shot landed in the rough, but stayed high enough to reach the green in two. From 20 to 21 feet, she rolled in the uphill putt.

Brooke Matthews and Hye-Jin Choi sit tied for fourth at 4 under, one shot back of Ko and Thitikul.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.