Andrea Lee's Closing Surge Takes Down Lydia Ko and the World No. 2 at Mizuho

Andrea Lee is on fire right now, and the rest of the LPGA Tour is going to have to catch up. The 27-year-old Californian absolutely torched the field on the opening day of the Mizuho Americas Open in West Caldwell, New Jersey, posting a 6-under 66 to grab a one-shot lead over two legitimate threats: Hall of Famer Lydia Ko and defending champion Jeeno Thitikul, the World No. 2.

What made Lee's round even more impressive? She birdied four of her final five holes. She stood at just 2-under after 13 holes before that closing surge, and suddenly she was untouchable. The details tell the whole story: Lee hit all 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens in regulation. That is the kind of precision golf that wins tournaments.

Lee's Game Plan Actually Worked

"I really didn't see 6-under today to be honest, so I'm quite pleased with that," Lee said after her round. She went in with a simple formula: stay patient, hit greens, hit fairways, take your pars, and minimize the damage. Lee is chasing her second career win on tour and her first since September 2022. This could be the week everything clicks.

Lee also called out the course itself. "I think this is a great golf course for us, a great test of golf," she said. "Honestly feels like a major championship just with how firm and fast the greens are and how tough the conditions are."

Ko and Thitikul Still Very Much In It

Lydia Ko is searching for her first win in 14 months, and Thursday was a solid step in that direction. The New Zealand legend signed for a 5-under 67, which included an eagle at the par-5 13th. Ko credits a new putter for her improved putting stroke, something that has been a weak point lately. "I actually putted really well, which was a nice change," Ko said. "I haven't putted well since I shot 60 in March, and that day I had a new putter and this week I have a new putter."

Thitikul, the defending champion, is just one back despite starting over at a different course than last year's edition at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. She carded a 5-under 67 with four birdies, one eagle, and just one bogey. That eagle came courtesy of a 20 to 21-foot putt at No. 8, an uphill stroke that Thitikul knows plays better that direction.

This tournament is wide open heading into Friday. Lee is leading the way, but Ko and Thitikul are right there, and the firm, fast greens at Mountain Ridge Country Club are making everyone work for every single shot.

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