28:I[4820,["5805","static/chunks/e6d45805-5e96a16d30c44a8e.js","6705","static/chunks/8bb4d8db-7f30d69555864451.js","1872","static/chunks/1872-9c1894afb3bf6af4.js","4787","static/chunks/4787-43b884ae3c8c9f01.js","8999","static/chunks/8999-eee8bfd7ad14de2d.js","3483","static/chunks/3483-24c8657bad812d5c.js","3440","static/chunks/app/%5Bdomain%5D/%5B%5B...route%5D%5D/page-6852fe619f814248.js"],"default"] 29:T65e,

Yu Liu recorded her first career tournament hole-in-one Thursday to jumpstart a 4-under 68 in the opening round of the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro.

Liu’s ace came on the par-3 15th hole at El Caballero Country Club. While it was the highlight of her day, it anchored an up-and-down round that included five birdies and three bogeys.

"It was my first-ever ace in a tournament; my second-ever ace all-time, so I was very calm to be honest," Liu said. "I don’t think I reacted very hyperly. I saw it went in. I even saw how it broke, so it was pretty cool."

The momentum from the 15th proved critical for Liu, who struggled with consistency late in her round. After missing a 2 1/2-foot birdie putt on the 14th, the ace provided a much-needed cushion before she found the water on the following hole.

"It was very chaotic toward the end," Liu said. "I’m glad I kept the momentum going instead of it going the other way."

Beyond the leaderboard, Liu’s shot is highlighted with a $20,000 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The contribution is part of the "CME Group Cares Challenge – Score 1 for St. Jude," a season-long program that directs funds to the hospital for every hole-in-one recorded during the 2026 season.

"Definitely very appreciative of CME for their constant support, and I feel like I've done something really special," Liu said of the donation. "It added another tier to something that I'm already very excited about."

Liu sits in a strong position heading into Friday’s second round.

2a:["

First-Round Ace for Yu Liu at JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro

Related Articles