News / Tournaments & Events 2 hours ago

Yamashita and Hataoka Lead Opening Round of Aramco Championship in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada – April 2, 2026 – Japan’s Miyu Yamashita and Nasa Hataoka set the pace in the opening round of the Aramco Championship after both carded impressive 5-under-par 67s at the iconic Shadow Creek course in Las Vegas.

The tournament, part of the PIF Global Series and co-sanctioned by the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour (LET), features a $4 million prize fund and has attracted one of the strongest fields in women’s golf.

Both players delivered composed performances on one of the most challenging layouts in the world, demonstrating precision and resilience on a course renowned for its demanding design and firm conditions.

Yamashita, making her debut at Shadow Creek, expressed satisfaction with her round, noting the complexity of the course, particularly its numerous doglegs and firm fairways and greens, which made distance control difficult. She highlighted her strong performance on the par-5 holes as a key factor in her score, emphasizing that patience was essential to navigating the course successfully.

Hataoka, meanwhile, recovered well from an early bogey on the opening hole to produce a steady and controlled round. She capitalized effectively on the par-5s, which proved crucial in building her score, and maintained focus throughout despite the course’s challenges.

The Japanese star also pointed to the importance of staying composed after setbacks, noting that even well-struck shots can result in difficult positions on a course like Shadow Creek. Favorable weather conditions during the morning round contributed to scoring opportunities, although she expects a different challenge in the upcoming rounds.

Shadow Creek once again lived up to its reputation as a true test of both technical ability and mental strength, adding further intrigue to the competition as players navigate its demanding layout.

The Aramco Championship continues to showcase the strength and depth of women’s golf, bringing together many of the world’s top players in a highly competitive environment. As part of the PIF Global Series, the event reflects the growing global momentum of the women’s game and Golf Saudi’s commitment to elevating the sport through world-class tournaments.

With several rounds still to play, the competition remains wide open, promising an exciting battle for the title in Las Vegas.