Buhai and Liu Share Lead at LA Championship as Hannah Green’s Title Defense Gets Off to a Shaky Start
Ashleigh Buhai and Yan Liu both fired impressive nine-under-par opening rounds to take the early lead at the LA Championship, while two-time defending champion Hannah Green began her quest for a third consecutive title with a challenging start.
Buhai posted a flawless, bogey-free 63, while Liu joined her at the top of the leaderboard after sinking a short eagle putt on the par-5 16th.
Green, who claimed back-to-back wins at the tournament and earned $US562,500 ($A880,000) for her 2024 victory at Wilshire Golf Club, found the new venue at El Caballero Country Club more difficult to navigate.
Starting on the back nine, Green bogeyed her third and fifth holes to fall to two-over. She rebounded strongly with four consecutive birdies and ultimately signed for a three-under 69, leaving her tied for 44th.
“I was back in Australia the last two weeks, so I think I’m mentally in a very good state,” Green said before the tournament began. “It’s a good course… there are some tough holes, some easier ones. It’s a nice balance.”
While fans and volunteers expressed hopes for a historic three-peat, Green was careful not to let expectations weigh too heavily. “Obviously I’d love to have my name in history, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself,” she added.
Green is also using the event to support wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles, pledging $US500 for every birdie and $US1,000 for each eagle she makes during the tournament.
“There are people who won’t be in their homes for years. Even though the fires have stopped, the pain remains,” she said. “Hopefully this brings awareness… California has a special place in my heart.”
Sweden’s Frida Kinhult closed her round with three straight birdies to finish solo third at eight-under 64.
Among the Australians, Minjee Lee led the charge with a strong six-birdie round of 67, tying her for 15th. Green, Steph Kyriacou, and Cassie Porter each carded 69s and are comfortably above the projected cut line heading into the next round.
