Haeran Ryu Grabs The Spotlight With 63 At Black Desert Championship

Haeran Ryu lit up the fairways on Thursday, firing a flawless 9-under 63 to take the solo lead at the LPGA Black Desert Championship. It was a masterclass in calm, focused golf and a perfect response after last week’s heartbreak at the Chevron Championship. For Utah golf fans, the LPGA’s return after six decades couldn’t have kicked off with a more exciting performance.

Ryu and Jutanugarn Bounce Back, Set the Pace at LPGA’s Black Desert Opener

Ryu was sharp from the start, missing just one fairway and one green all day. She needed only 27 putts, showcasing both precision and confidence. Coming off a tough Sunday where she shot a 76 at Chevron to miss the playoff by two, Ryu showed no signs of lingering disappointment.

“I didn’t change my mindset this week,” she said with a smile after her round. “Last week was a tough course, and this one is too. I just focused on being accurate, like I did last time.”

Utah Welcomes LPGA After Six Decades: Ryu Leads the Charge at Black Desert

Ariya Jutanugarn and Wei-Ling Hsu weren’t far behind, each carding 8-under 64s to stay within striking distance. Jutanugarn, once the world No. 1, is chasing her first win in four years. Last week she stood on the final hole at Chevron needing a par to clinch the title but stumbled with a bogey, then barely missed a birdie putt in the playoff as Mao Saigo walked away with the win.

“It didn’t end how I wanted last week, but so many good things were happening,” Jutanugarn said. “I just want to keep carrying that forward and work hard.”

Source: Haeran Ryu cards 63, leads LPGA Black Desert Championship

Haeran Ryu’s Precision Play Puts Her on Top at Black Desert Championship

Black Desert in Ivins, Utah, has been buzzing with excitement. Not only is it hosting its first LPGA event, but it also stands out as the only course on the calendar hosting both PGA and LPGA Tour tournaments. Fans turned out in force, eager to watch big names and rising stars battle it out under blue skies.

Read this: Panthers vs Leafs: Marchand’s Clutch Overtime Heroics Keep Series Alive

Lucy Li made a splash, birdieing her final two holes to finish at 64 and join a six-player tie for fourth, alongside Carlota Ciganda. Meanwhile, Celine Boutier led a chasing group at 65. Thanks to soft greens and calm conditions, nearly 60% of the 144-player field shot under par, creating a leaderboard stacked with talent.

Haeran Ryu Grabs the Spotlight with 63 at Black Desert Championship

Comeback Stories: Ryu, Jutanugarn, and the Rising Stars at Black Desert

Last week’s winner, Mao Saigo, had a rocky start, going 2-over through four holes before steadying herself with four birdies for an even-par 70. Even when things don’t start smoothly, Saigo has shown she’s capable of turning things around mid-round, a sign of her growing confidence.

Ryu’s performance wasn’t just about raw talent. She displayed resilience, staying focused after the Chevron letdown. Her bogey-free round was a blend of sharp iron shots and confident putting, proving she wasn’t letting the past weigh her down.

“Every experience teaches you something,” Ryu said. “Last week showed me how important it is to stay focused, no matter what happens. Now I just take it one shot at a time.”

Jutanugarn’s 64 was another display of mental toughness. Though she’s had her share of highs and lows in recent years, she approached Thursday’s round with patience, avoiding mistakes and letting her game flow naturally.

“I’m happy with how patient I stayed,” she said. “I didn’t let anything bother me. It feels good to be playing like this again.”

Read this: Nuggets vs Thunder: Murray, Gordon Shine as Denver Takes Game 3 Lead

Lucy Li’s late surge added extra excitement. Those closing birdies showed she’s a player to watch this weekend. Ciganda, too, stayed composed and consistent, keeping herself right in the mix.

The leaderboard promises drama over the next few days. With scoring conditions expected to stay favorable, it will take consistency, nerve, and smart play to stand out.

Fans along the fairways were thrilled to witness such a strong showing. Many hadn’t seen LPGA-level golf in person before, and the players didn’t disappoint. The Black Desert course, framed by Utah’s stunning red-rock backdrop, was praised for its fairness and challenge.

“I love this course,” Boutier said. “It rewards good shots but punishes you if you get sloppy. You can’t take anything for granted here.”

Heading into the second round, all eyes are on Ryu. Can she hold onto the lead and close the deal this time? Or will Jutanugarn break through and snap her long winless streak? With so many players bunched up, the tournament is wide open.

“I’m not thinking about winning yet,” Ryu said with quiet determination. “There’s a lot of golf left. I’m just focusing on playing my best each round.”

Jutanugarn agreed, saying the real key is mental discipline. “You can’t force things,” she said. “You have to let the game come to you. That’s what I’m focused on this week.”

As the weekend approaches, one thing is certain: the inaugural Black Desert Championship is shaping up to be a memorable showdown. With big names, fresh faces, and Utah’s stunning scenery, it’s the perfect stage for an unforgettable finish.