Yamashita opens 5-stroke lead in CPKC Women’s Open as players fight off mosquitos

Edmonton, Alberta (AP) — Miyu Yamashita took a five-stroke lead in the CPKC Women’s Open on Friday as competitors battled mosquitoes on the scenic tree-lined course situated near the North Saskatchewan River. Yamashita, who won the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, started the week with an 8-under 62 in her first round. She followed it up with a 64 in the second round, giving her a 14-under total at Royal Mayfair.

Speaking through a translator, Yamashita expressed her happiness, stating that with only two rounds remaining, she aims to maintain her current form. The 25-year-old Japanese golfer, who also won the Women’s British Open and Maybank Championship last year, emphasized focusing on making birdies rather than fixating on the score. American Kiara Romero tied for second place in her LPGA Tour debut, posting opening rounds of 64 and 67.

Romero, the second player to gain LPGA Tour membership via the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway, expressed gratitude for being on the course, describing the atmosphere as one of enjoyment and appreciation for golf. Soo Bin Joo, Yuri Yoshida, and other players joined Romero at 9 under. Joo praised the course's beauty, admiring the trees and appreciating the surroundings, despite the overwhelming mosquito presence.

Ruoning Yin ended her round with a double bogey, leaving her at 8 under, while Nasa Hataoka and Anna Huang followed with 69 and 7 under respectively. Canadian star Brooke Henderson, the 2018 and 2025 champion, was 5 under after a 68, expressing her delight in playing in front of the enthusiastic Canadian fans. Top-ranked Nelly Korda shot a 70, remaining 3 under, while Lydia Ko, who won the event as an amateur in 2013, was 1 under after a 69.