How Lydia Ko Trails Leaders After First Round at U.S. Women’s Open
Lydia Ko, the world No. 3 and one of golf’s most consistent performers, finds herself five shots off the pace after the opening round of the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Ko carded a 1-over-par 73 on Thursday, placing her in a tie for 64th — a challenging start as she chases her third major title.
Her round was marked by a mix of promise and setbacks. Ko made three birdies, but they were offset by two bogeys and a costly double bogey on the par-5 first hole. That stumble set the tone early, and while she recovered with solid play throughout the middle of her round, it wasn’t enough to keep her near the top of the leaderboard.
At the top, six players share the first-round lead at 4-under-par 68: A Lim Kim, Jinhee Im, Yealimi Noh, Rio Takeda, Angel Yin, and Julia Lopez Ramirez. They capitalized on favorable weather conditions — mild wind and soft greens — to go low on a course known for its length and challenge. However, stronger winds are forecasted for the weekend, which could shake up the standings and provide opportunities for players like Ko to climb back into contention.
Ko’s quest at Erin Hills is to complete a rare major trifecta. Already a champion at the Evian Championship (2015) and the AIG Women’s Open (2024), the U.S. Women’s Open is the missing piece in her storied career. While her first round leaves work to be done, Ko is no stranger to comebacks in major championships.
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, boasting a record-setting $12 million purse, continues through Sunday. As the pressure mounts and conditions evolve, Ko’s experience and composure may yet prove decisive in her hunt for history.
