In a dazzling display of skill and precision, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Canada surged into the lead with an impressive seven-under par 64 at the LPGA Seri Pak Championship in Los Angeles on Thursday, closing her round with three consecutive birdies.
LeBlanc, aiming for her maiden LPGA title, finished one stroke ahead of American newcomer Malia Nam, who capitalized on her familiarity with the Palos Verdes golf club course, shooting a solid 65.
Reflecting on her performance, LeBlanc expressed satisfaction with her ball-striking and ability to recover from any missed greens, emphasizing her strong finish with birdies on the final three holes.
Nam, drawing on her extensive experience playing the course during her collegiate career, credited her local knowledge for her impressive start, remarking on the challenging nature of the course despite her excellent start.
Elsewhere on the leaderboard, Japan’s Yuka Saso, Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom, and Americans Alison Lee and Lauren Hartlage shared third place with solid rounds of five-under 66.
Defending champion Yin Ruoning of China, who triumphed on the same course last year when the tournament was known as the LA Open, carded a respectable one-under 70 to start her title defense.
As the tournament pays tribute to its new host, South Korean LPGA Hall of Famer Pak Se-ri, the competition marks the tour’s return to the United States following an Asian swing.
Notable performances included world number one Lilia Vu, who carded a first-round 73, and second-ranked Nelly Korda, who opened with a 72 in her first appearance since her victory at the LPGA Drive On Championship earlier this year.
