Davidson Blazes Into Shared LPGA Lead at BMW Ladies Championship

Karis Davidson produced one of the rounds of her season to seize a share of the first-round lead at the BMW Ladies Championship on Thursday at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Korea. The 28-year-old Australian rattled off seven birdies across a nine-hole stretch to card a six-under-par 66, finishing the opening day tied with Japan's Yuri Yoshida.

Davidson said she nearly aced one hole and hit a string of close approaches, calling it a "pretty cool" day with the irons and hybrids. Still chasing her first LPGA Tour victory, Davidson is enjoying the steadiest season of her career — she has made the cut in 15 of 17 starts and banked $US785,600 in prize money so far in 2026.

The strong start could not have come at a better time. The world No.67 has climbed to 26th in the live season-long points standings, and only the top 60 qualify for the $US11 million Tour Championship in Florida from November 19–22. Davidson also carries fond memories from major golf, having sat in contention at the Women's PGA Championship in Minnesota in June before finishing tied for 12th.

Yoshida matched the 66 with a bogey-free round and is also hunting her first LPGA Tour title. World No.3 Haeran Ryu sits one shot back at five under alongside Americans Lucy Li and Lauren Coughlin and Spain's Julia Lopez Ramirez, while world No.7 Lottie Woad opened with 69 and defending champion Sei Young Kim posted 72.