Nasa Hataoka and Miyu Yamashita fired matching 7-under 65s Thursday to share the lead after the opening round of the Toto Japan Classic at Seta Golf Club.
The Japanese duo took advantage of home soil conditions in western Japan, with Hataoka hunting her seventh LPGA Tour victory while Yamashita looks to add a third title to her resume.
South Korea’s Jiyai Shin sits just one shot back after posting a 6-under round. She’s followed by a trio of Japanese players at 5-under — twin sisters Chisato and Akie Iwai, along with Minami Katsu.
The leaderboard remains tightly packed with eight players lurking just three shots behind the leaders. Among them is Minjee Lee, who’s been having a stellar season. The Australian captured her third major championship earlier this year at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
What makes this tournament interesting is the strong showing from Japanese players, who clearly feel comfortable on the Seta layout. Five of the top six spots belong to home country competitors after day one.
