Walsh, Maguire begin Women’s Open on solid note as both Irish golfers carded steady level-par rounds of 72 at Royal Porthcawl in the opening day of the AIG Women’s Open. Japan’s Eri Okayama, a recent qualifier, surged into the lead with a four-under performance through 13 holes, while Irish hopeful Anna Foster was among the later starters still to complete her round.
ICYMI: CL 2nd qualifying round: What to know for 2nd legs
Mixed Front Nine for Maguire
Leona Maguire didn’t have the perfect start to the year’s final major, opening with a bogey at the first hole and following it up with another on the fourth. However, the Cavan native bounced back with a birdie on the fifth and picked up another shot at the par-five ninth to make the turn at even par. Her play on the back nine followed a similar pattern. She dropped shots on the 11th and 14th, but quickly recovered with birdies on 15 and a strong finish at the 18th, completing a balanced round of 72.
Walsh Keeps It Steady
Lauren Walsh, who’s been in fine form throughout the 2025 season on the Ladies European Tour, also posted an even-par round. She made an early bogey at the second hole, then capitalized on the forgiving par-five ninth with a birdie. That hole had already yielded multiple eagles earlier in the day. Walsh managed to sneak under par at the 11th but immediately gave the shot back on the next hole and played steady from there, parring her way to the finish.
Japan Leading the Way
The early leaderboard in Wales showed Japan’s Eri Okayama in control after a brilliant front-nine 32 that featured four birdies and no bogeys. She maintained her form with a string of pars on the back nine as her round continued. Meanwhile, three other Japanese golfers—Shiho Kuwaki, Mao Saigo, and Chisato Iwai—shared the clubhouse lead at three-under par.
More Irish Hopes Still in Action
Anna Foster, representing another Irish contender, was among the afternoon starters and will look to build on the steady foundation set by Maguire and Walsh. With unpredictable weather and testing conditions expected at Royal Porthcawl, their composed openings could prove valuable heading into the weekend.
