In a thrilling start to the Riviera Maya Open in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, American golfers Brianna Do and Melanie Green concluded the opening round in a deadlock for the top spot, each carding an impressive 6-under-par 66. Do secured her share of the lead with a crucial birdie on the final hole, while LPGA rookie Green’s performance was highlighted by an extraordinary hole-in-one amidst a dynamic first nine, despite a late birdie-bogey sequence.
The competitive duo holds a narrow one-stroke advantage over Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who sits in third place with a 5-under 67, achieved through a round featuring seven birdies and two bogeys. Do demonstrated early dominance at El Camaleon Golf Course, sinking four birdies within her initial five holes, then recovering from a sole bogey on the front nine with back-to-back birdies on holes 11 and 12. Green, who commenced her round on the back nine, surged to 6-under through nine holes, an incredible run including an ace and five birdies. Her hole-in-one on the par-3 15th was a moment of disbelief, even for her caddie, adding a memorable twist to her day.
Both athletes, despite their age difference—Do at 36 and Green at 24—are in pursuit of their inaugural LPGA victory. Do, who achieved her only career top-10 finish at last year’s Riviera Maya Open, expressed her positive sentiments returning to the course, aiming to surpass her previous performance. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, recently reinstated as the world's No. 1 golfer, is among a group of six players tied for fourth at 4-under, further intensifying the competition. The resilience and positive outlook displayed by these athletes in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence serve as an inspiring testament to the spirit of golf.
