Atthaya Thitikul delivered a standout performance on Thursday at the Mizuho Americas Open, finishing the first round with a two-shot lead. The event teed off at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Thitikul carded a bogey-free 8-under 64, relying on her putting to rack up eight birdies and outpace a world-class field. The 2025 Americas Open began with perfect morning conditions, and Thitikul capitalized with a strong putting game on fast, challenging greens.
As the No. 2 ranked player in the women’s world rankings, Thitikul’s ability to turn her putting practice into results early in the tournament impressed both fans and her fellow competitors. The competition will run through the weekend with the world’s best vying for the trophy at Liberty National, a site known for its dramatic views and tough layout. Thitikul’s confidence with the putter has set her apart early, but plenty of challengers remain close as the event unfolds.
Thitikul’s Impressive Opening Round at Liberty National
Atthaya Thitikul made a statement in the first round of the 2025 Mizuho Americas Open, coming out strong with a bogey-free 8-under 64. Playing in the morning wave, she had ideal weather and steady course conditions, which helped her get off to a fast start on the iconic Liberty National layout.
Her round included eight birdies and 26 total putts, showing both her shot-making and putting touch were locked in from the beginning. Thitikul played with confidence, never getting into trouble, and managed every hole with consistency. The conditions were ideal but required precision, and she executed her game plan perfectly.
This was Thitikul’s 11th round of 64 or better on tour since 2021, showing her ability to go low against the best in the world. The Liberty National course, bordered by water with stunning city skyline views, provided a beautiful but testing backdrop for scoring. Thitikul’s comfort in these conditions was clear, as she made the most of her early tee time before wind became a factor.
The opening round set the stage for a compelling weekend, with Thitikul combining strong iron play, strategic course management, and a reliable short game. The leaderboard quickly took shape, but it was Thitikul who stood clear after day one.
What Made Thitikul’s Putting Stand Out
Thitikul only needed 26 putts on Thursday, and her ability to read the tough Liberty National greens separated her from much of the field. She credited extra hours spent practicing putts back home after the Chevron Championship for her return to form. These dedicated sessions translated into on-course confidence, especially as she watched birdie opportunities drop one after another.
The greens at Liberty National have subtle breaks and fast speeds, making them difficult for even experienced professionals. Thitikul demonstrated outstanding pace and judgment on nearly every green, finding a rhythm early that helped her capitalize on scoring chances. Her approach shots set her up with makeable looks, and she converted them with a steady, unfazed stroke.
Her success with the putter was especially noteworthy since she struggled at the year’s first major, opening with rounds of 71-75 at the Chevron Championship. Thitikul said this time, “I just going to putt less and think less,” focusing on keeping her mind clear and trusting her practice. That mental reset seems to have made a major difference, as her results on Thursday proved.
Several of her eight birdie putts came from mid-range, showing she was not just cashing in easy looks but consistently sinking difficult attempts. This ability gives her a critical edge in a closely contested tournament.
The Thai star’s performance with the flat stick will be something to watch as the tournament progresses and pressure mounts with each round.
Pivotal Moments from Thitikul’s Round
Thitikul’s run included some key shots, especially on her closing holes. On the 17th, she stuck a short iron to about five feet, sinking the putt to build momentum heading to the final hole. On 18, she played a smart shot beneath the hole, giving herself only three feet for a finishing birdie – a textbook play under pressure.
These back-to-back birdies to close out her round not only boosted her score but also set a confident tone going into Friday. Earlier, Thitikul avoided bogey all day, navigating a tough stretch in the middle of the round where pin positions challenged other players.
Her attitude stood out as well, refusing to get rattled by misses or testy lies. Thitikul’s steady play on the par threes, especially considering Liberty National’s course setup, kept her momentum. She managed every pressure moment with composure, keeping bogeys off her card entirely.
Each made putt fueled the next, and Thitikul’s consistent approach shots set her up to avoid tricky saves. That clean card might be just as important as her barrage of birdies when the final tally is made on Sunday.
Thitikul’s Focus on Putts and Mental Fortitude
The story behind Thitikul’s performance goes beyond her technique. She emphasized mental toughness, sharing that after obsessively practicing putting at home, she realized the need to balance her mindset. “If it goes in or not, it has to be the same feelings and emotion,” Thitikul said, underlining the importance of emotional control and routine.
For Thitikul, reducing pressure on herself was crucial. “I just going to putt less and think less,” she explained, choosing not to overthink misses or makes. This attitude allowed her to stay present with each shot rather than getting caught up in frustration or excitement.
She admitted that her emotions had been “all over the place” after Chevron but refocused on mental composure coming into Jersey City. The trick for her was treating each putt with the same calm – removing tension from her putting routine.
Mental preparation matters as much as technical skill for elite golfers, and Thitikul’s transparency about her struggles and adjustments offers fans and fellow players insight into what it takes to compete at the top.
This renewed approach appears to be paying off at just the right time in the season, setting her up as a favorite moving into the later rounds.
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Chasing Contenders: Boutier, Choi, and Duncan Close Behind
Just two shots back, a competitive trio is applying early pressure on Thitikul. France’s Celine Boutier posted a 66 with a run of five straight birdies in the middle of her round, showing her knack for capitalizing on momentum. She came up short on some par 5s but made up ground with strong play on the more difficult holes.
South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi also finished at six-under, matching Boutier’s score to share second. Her consistent play is emblematic of what fans have seen throughout her LPGA career – steady, methodical, and rarely making big mistakes. Choi’s game has traveled well to different course conditions, and she remains a threat whenever her putter heats up.
Lindy Duncan of the United States rounded out the group at 66. After losing in a five-way playoff at the Chevron Championship two weeks earlier, Duncan continues to build form and show she belongs in contention at the biggest events. Each of these chasers can make a move if Thitikul slips or if scoring conditions change heading into the weekend.
The tight leaderboard promises a weekend of intense competition, with many eyes on whether one of these contenders can close the gap and challenge for the win.
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Nelly Korda’s Battle as Defending Champion
Nelly Korda, the world’s No. 1, started her title defense with a 68, sitting four shots back after an up-and-down round. Korda had six birdies, three on the reachable par 5s, but mixed in a handful of bogeys that kept her from climbing closer to the lead. Despite her dominant run last year – when she secured her sixth victory of the season at this event – Korda’s form has not been as sharp in 2025.
Korda’s approach after round one is focused on process: “Just got to focus on what my game plan was last year – that was one shot at a time, not to get ahead of myself.” She also spoke openly about how carrying expectations from last season’s success has shifted her mindset this year.
The defending champion is optimistic, noting the importance of playing with joy rather than putting unnecessary pressure on herself because of her past accomplishments. “I should be happy that I was in that moment, that I did achieve all that great success. So just go out here and do what I love.”
With still plenty of golf to play, Korda remains in position to make a run at the leaders. Her experience and proven ability to close out tournaments will make her one to watch throughout the weekend.
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Haeran Ryu Rides Momentum from Recent Win
Haeran Ryu, one of South Korea’s rising stars, entered the event with plenty of confidence after her win last week at the Black Desert Championship in Utah. She carried that momentum to Liberty National with an opening round of 67, placing her just three shots behind Thitikul.
Ryu’s recent victory elevated her to No. 5 in the world, a position that marks her arrival among the elite. Her round included a single bogey on her final hole, a small blemish on an otherwise impressive card. Ryu’s approach shot accuracy and ability to scramble make her a formidable competitor, especially as she continues to gain experience on big stages.
Her ability to deliver back-to-back weeks of strong play is notable on tour, where consistency is so hard to sustain. Ryu’s presence within striking distance of the lead means she’s well-positioned to capitalize if Thitikul or others in front of her falter.
Fans and analysts will be watching to see whether Ryu can channel her momentum into another weekend charge as she seeks to add another trophy to her growing resume.
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Course Conditions and Morning Advantage
The Liberty National Golf Club offered up ideal scoring conditions for the early starters on Thursday, with little to no wind and pristine greens in the morning. Players in Thitikul’s wave took advantage of this window before the course began to firm up and the breeze picked up later. This gave the early leaders an added edge – something that can be significant at a course as challenging as Liberty National.
The course, with close-cut fairways and slick greens overlooking the Manhattan skyline, can turn treacherous when winds rise off the river. Many in the afternoon wave found tougher putting lines and firmer approaches. On days with calmer conditions, however, low numbers are possible for those who control their ball flight and judging distances carefully.
Understanding these conditions is key for players and fans following the tournament’s ebb and flow. The structure of tee times often rewards early risers when the forecast calls for wind, and that was the case for Thitikul and the other morning standouts.
Americas Open Setting at Liberty National
Liberty National Golf Club is one of the most recognizable venues on the LPGA circuit. The course’s proximity to Manhattan provides both a stunning visual backdrop and a strategic test for the field. Its layout includes tight landing areas, water hazards, and elevation changes that demand precise shot-making.
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Players and spectators alike appreciate the club’s mix of modern design and championship pedigree. The greens, in particular, are known for their subtle breaks and require total focus. Events at Liberty National often attract large crowds, with fans taking advantage of the views as well as the high level of competition on display.
The atmosphere at the Americas Open is always electric, combining big-city energy with world-class golf. The location remains a favorite among top professionals for its challenge and ambiance.
Reactions from the Field and Players’ Reflections
After the first round, there was a sense of excitement mixed with anticipation as many in the field commented on the tough but fair test Liberty National presented. Players like Thitikul emphasized how quickly fortunes can turn with the putter, while others pointed to the need for patience and resilience in championship conditions.
Korda’s comments about playing with joy and avoiding added pressure echoed throughout post-round interviews, with several competitors agreeing that mental clarity is essential on this course. Meanwhile, contenders like Duncan and Boutier noted that one hot stretch on the greens can turn an average round into a great one at Liberty National.
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Press conferences and quick chats on the range revealed plenty of optimism, especially among those within five shots of the lead heading into Friday. As the world’s top players adjust to ever-changing course conditions, the discussion focused on who can maintain their composure and capitalize on available scoring stretches.
Fans following the tournament saw the importance of both technical skill and a strong mental approach in elite golf. For Thitikul, keeping her focus one putt at a time has set an example others hope to follow as the pressure builds deep into the event.
What’s Next at the Americas Open
The leaderboard is tightly packed, and with three rounds to play at the Mizuho Americas Open, the drama is only just beginning. The world’s top players, including defending champion Nelly Korda, are within striking distance, and contenders like Ryu, Boutier, and Choi are eager to overtake Thitikul if the opportunity arises.
Much will depend on how players handle changing course conditions and whether they can maintain hot streaks with the putter. Weather could play a role in the final outcome, with wind and firmer greens likely as the tournament advances.
Golf fans will be eager to watch every shot as the weekend arrives, with the championship at stake and plenty of storylines to follow. Will Thitikul hold her nerve and convert her first round lead, or will another star emerge from the chasing pack? The next three days will decide the champion at Liberty National.
