Choi Leads Buick LPGA Shanghai Opener as Kim Impresses
South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi carded an eight-under 64 at Sheshan Golf Club, establishing an early lead in the $US3.5 million tournament, while Australia's Grace Kim also started strongly.
Choi Sets Pace at Sheshan Golf Club
Hye-Jin Choi from South Korea delivered a dominant performance in the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Playing at the Sheshan Golf Club, Choi posted a bogey-free 64, featuring eight birdies, to take an immediate lead in the $US3.5 million event.
Her impressive start positions her four strokes clear of the nearest competitors, setting a high bar for the rest of the field as the LPGA Tour's Asian swing commences. The tournament marks a significant stop for players looking to gain momentum in the region, with the prize fund drawing top talent.
Kim's Resilient Opening Round
Australia's Grace Kim navigated a challenging round to finish four-under-par with a 68, placing her in a tie for third. Kim, who secured her maiden LPGA Tour title in 2024 at the Lotte Championship, demonstrated resilience by recovering from consecutive bogeys on holes eight and nine with three crucial birdies on her back nine.
She shares third position with Spain's Carlota Ciganda, who shot a 67, and a group of Asian talents including Japan's Rio Takeda, Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen, and China's Yin Ruoning, all of whom also recorded 68s.
Minjee Lee Faces Uphill Battle
Fellow Australian Minjee Lee experienced a difficult start, carding a four-over 76 that left her tied for 50th. Lee, a triple major champion, faces a considerable challenge to make the weekend cut in China, continuing a recent run of struggles. Her form has seen her miss the cut in her last six events, in addition to withdrawing from the Scottish Open in July due to illness.
This downturn in performance has also impacted her world ranking, which has fallen from No. 4 at the beginning of the season to its current position at No. 17.
Defending Champion Thitikul in Contention
Other Australians in the field included Karis Davidson, who posted an even-par 72 to sit in a tie for 23rd, narrowly missing a sub-par round after her three birdies were offset by three bogeys. Robyn Choi and Cassie Porter both finished with four-over 76s, placing them in a tie for 61st.
Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand began her title defence with a one-under 69, securing a tie for seventh. Thitikul, who won the 2025 Buick LPGA Shanghai in a five-hole playoff, also claimed her fourth LPGA victory of the season and eleventh overall at the Lotte Championship earlier this month.
Asia's Strong Presence in Shanghai
The opening day of the Buick LPGA Shanghai has highlighted the strong competitive presence of Asian players as the tour progresses into its regional swing. With South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi leading and talents from Japan, Thailand, and China sharing third place, the tournament is shaping up to be a compelling contest on home soil for many.
The performances of players like Jeeno Thitikul, who already has four wins this season, underscore the high level of play expected in this $US3.5 million event, setting a benchmark for the remaining rounds and the wider Asian leg of the LPGA Tour.
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