Chen Yu-Ju (陳宇茹) topped the first-round leaderboard of the THB$4 million (NT$3.6 million) BGC Thailand Ladies Masters, a Taiwan LPGA Tour and Thai WPGA Tour co-sanctioned event, at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The Taiwanese player shot a 5-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead over local players Wad Phaewchimplee and Chayanit Wangmahaporn.

Lee Hsin (李欣) sit in a crowded six-way tie for fourth on 3-under 69. She is the second-best performer from Taiwan in the first-round.

Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, a three-time winner already on the 2023 Taiwan LPGA Tour, is the defending champion here but a first-round 71 saw the Thai star temporarily in equal 18th.

This 54-hole tournament is recognized by the WWGR (World Women’s Golf Rankings), featuring 30 elite Taiwan LPGA members and 90 professional players from host Thailand and six other countries. A cut will be made to the top-50 and ties after 36 holes.

Based mainly on the Korea’s Dream Tour, Taiwan’s Chen Yu-Ju found no trouble adjusting to the conditions at Hua Hin’s Black Mountain. “I really like the greens. It’s pretty fast especially when going down,” said Chen, who needed only 25 putts, including one from 30 feet away that gave her an eagle on the 2nd hole. The green speed today is measured at 10.9.

In fact, Chen was 7-under through a flawless first 17 with one eagle and five birdies, however, consecutive miscues on the final 18th saw Chen wrap up the day on 5-under regrettably. “Chipping was the weaker link in my game today. But yeah, my putter improved a lot this week. The woods and irons are pretty solid as well.”

Lee Hsin carded one eagle, two birdies, and one bogey to keep herself in contention. She sent the ball near the right green in two attempts on the par-5 6th, and made the following 20-yard chip to snatch a precious eagle.

“I started a bit messy but then once I settled down, especially on my back nine (Lee started on the 10th hole), my putting felt really, really good and my ball-striking, everything felt great. This is my first time playing at the Black Mountain. I think the tee shots were a little bit challenging with those rough and obstacles. Putting was not easy, too, with the ups and downs on the greens,” said Lee.

“But now I feel much more confident with a 3-under today and I’m ready to challenge the top hopefully in tomorrow’s second round.” Second-round action will start at 7:00 a.m. in the morning.