Jasmine Suwannapura opened with an 8-under par 63 to take a one-shot lead after day one of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
The 31-year-old Thai produced eight birdies en route to a bogey-free round at Pinnacle Country Club.
“Me and my husband been having fun out there. Couple holes I ask him to take a look for me. We make two birdies from that, and he got super excited,” said Suwannapura, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour.
“We just have fun out there. Keep the momentum going, we literally played with the wind today. Got pretty gusty, too.”
Former University of Arkansas star Maria Fassi signed for a nine-birdie round of 7 under to sit T2, alongside Liqi Zeng, Carlota Ciganda and Ashleigh Buhai.
“I played very good last week in Cincinnati. We had a bad day on Saturday, but overall I know my game is as good as it’s ever been,” said Fassi, whose day was highlighted by a hat trick of birdies on Nos. 10-12.
“I think my mind, my heart is also as good as it’s been in long time. So I’m just happy we’re seeing some of those results that we want.”
Dottie Ardina, Yu Liu and Maria Jose Marin, a sponsor invite, were tied for sixth on 6 under. Marin, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year on the Razorback women’s golf team, is making her debut on the LPGA Tour with her father on the bag.
“It felt amazing to play my first LPGA here in Arkansas in front of all the Razorback fans. It means a lot to represent the university and to call the Hogs on 17,” said Marin. “I feel really proud of myself and it just felt amazing.”
Arkansas alum Gaby Lopez and U.S. Solheim Cup star Megan Khang were among five players at T9 on 5 under.
Defending champion Haeran Ryu (69) sits T42, alongside 2014 Walmart champion, and former Arkansas Razorback, Stacy Lewis.
2024 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Round One: Top 5 Scorers
1. Jasmine Suwannapura -8
2. Maria Fassi -7
2. Liqi Zeng -7
2. Carlota Ciganda -7
2. Ashleigh Buhai -7
6. Dottie Ardina -6
6. Yu Liu -6
6. Maria Jose Marin -6
9. Gaby Lopez -5
9. Megan Khang -5
9. Alena Sharp -5
9. Pajaree Anannarukarn -5
9. Jenny Shin -5
LPGA Communications post-round content used to compile report.
