In summary

  • Only the top 60 progress to the LPGA Tour's season finale at Tiburon Golf Club from November 19-22, with several Australians on the bubble after round one of the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge.
  • Hye-Jin Choi and Minami Katsu share the first-round lead after Choi rattled off four birdies in a row on the back nine, while Nelly Korda sits alone in fourth at seven-under 63.
  • Robyn Choi suffered a nightmare start, shooting a three-over 74 to drop four spots to 65th in the race, while Karis Davidson and Cassie Porter remain just outside the qualifying mark.

With only the top 60 progressing to the LPGA Tour's season finale at the Tiburon Golf Club from November 19-22, it is hotting up in the penultimate event before the final field is determined for Naples.

As it stands after Thursday's opening round, a host of Australians are well positioned to join compatriot Hannah Green (not playing in this tournament) in Florida, but it's touch and go.

Kim did her chances a world of good at Pelican Golf Club, with her five birdies and lone bogey securing her a tie for 20th.

The 25-year-old, who won her first major when she took out the 2025 Evian Championship after a playoff, is currently 51st in the standings.

Karis Davidson is two shots behind and sits tied 42nd. The world No.69 is 57th in the CME race and was travelling well until back-to-back bogeys on her final two holes.

Cassie Porter also made 68 after four birdies and two bogeys, but the Sydneysider is looking over her shoulder, too as she sits 52nd in the overall race.

However, it was a nightmare start for Robyn Choi who, after a successful Asian swing, dropped four spots to be currently 65th in the race.

Choi shot a three-over 74 and is languishing close to the bottom of the ANNIKA field after making five bogeys and a pair of birdies.      

The day's honours went to South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi, who rattled off four birdies in a row on the back nine and added another at No.18 to share the first-round lead with Japan's Minami Katsu.

Choi and Katsu are ‌one stroke ahead of Lindy Duncan, who had a hole-in-one at the par-3 third, while alone in fourth is world No.1 Nelly Korda at ‌seven-under 63.

Choi is No.7 in the Race to the CME Globe points list and Katsu entered ‌the week No.28. Both are ⁠assured of making next week's Tour Championship, but they are after something else: their first win on the LPGA Tour.

The CME Globe stakes are more immediate for Duncan, who is 74th in the standings and projected ⁠to shoot up to No.46 if current results hold.