The Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia witnessed a dazzling display of golf as LPGA Tour rookie Mao Saigo of Japan fired an opening round of 9-under par 63 to seize a one-stroke lead. The 22-year-old sensation, making her debut appearance in the event, put on a putting clinic by sinking six birdies on her first nine holes at the challenging Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club layout.
Saigo, who has been turning heads with her consistent play in her inaugural LPGA Tour campaign, credited her stellar start to a hot putter. “I made a lot of middle-length putts so that’s why I played so well,” she revealed. “There is so much strong up and down play required, so it’s very difficult.” Her bogey-free round showcased her ability to navigate the undulating greens and tricky pin positions with precision and poise.
Chasing Pack Headlined by Ryu, Boutier
Nipping at Saigo’s heels is South Korea’s Haeran Ryu, who carded an impressive 8-under 64 to sit just one shot off the pace. Ryu, a multiple winner on the KLPGA Tour, is seeking her first LPGA Tour title and appears poised to make a strong run at the Maybank Championship trophy.
Defending champion Celine Boutier of France, who has been riding a wave of momentum with consecutive top-10 finishes in her last two starts, posted a solid 5-under 67 to remain within striking distance. Boutier needed a nine-hole playoff to clinch the title last year over Thai star Jeeno Thitikul in a thrilling finish that matched the second-longest playoff in LPGA Tour history.
Big Names Lurking, Ready to Pounce
A host of marquee players are in the hunt and poised to make a weekend charge in Kuala Lumpur:
- Canada’s Brooke Henderson, a 12-time LPGA Tour winner, opened with a 3-under 69
- Australia’s Hannah Green, coming off her third victory of 2024 last week in South Korea, posted a 1-under 71
- Rising American star Lilia Vu struggled to a 2-over 74
Asian Swing Heating Up
The Maybank Championship is the third stop on the LPGA Tour’s annual Asian Swing, which has already produced fireworks. Boutier nearly went back-to-back in Shanghai two weeks ago, ultimately tying for ninth, before falling one stroke shy of forcing a playoff in a runner-up finish in South Korea last week.
Green has also been on a tear, collecting her third win of 2024 and the sixth of her burgeoning career in Incheon. The Aussie appears to be rounding into top form as she seeks to add more hardware to her growing trophy case.
Saigo’s Breakout Potential
But the day belonged to Saigo, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in the women’s game. The Kumamoto native has recorded three top-10s in her last five starts, including a tie for fifth at the Cognizant Founders Cup, and looks primed for a breakthrough victory.
“I’m just trying to enjoy every moment out here and learn as much as I can,”
Saigo said. “To have my name at the top of the leaderboard at such a prestigious event is a dream come true. I know there’s a lot of golf left to be played, but I’m excited for the challenge.”
With a star-studded cast of contenders, the stage is set for a compelling finish at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Can Saigo, the upstart rookie, fend off a hungry pack of proven winners and etch her name into LPGA Tour lore with a maiden title? The golfing world will be watching with bated breath as the drama unfolds in Malaysia.
