Mary Liu, Weiwei Zhang, and Youmin Hwang set the pace after 18 holes at the Blue Bay LPGA in the People’s Republic of China. Each player carded a 6-under 66 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Thursday to open a one-stroke advantage.

A two-time winner on the CLPGA, Liu is making her first LPGA Tour start of the 2026 season. The People’s Republic of China native recorded six birdies—including two in her final three holes—to share the lead.

"I really enjoyed myself out there," Liu said following her opening round. "I worked well with my caddie, and we maintained a good rhythm throughout the day."

Liu credited her success to a productive offseason. "My winter training went very well. This year, I have a clearer idea of what my priorities are. My coach also advised me to balance work and rest. I even went home for the Chinese New Year, which was really nice."

Returning to a course just a three-hour drive from her home, Zhang leaned on her local experience on Hainan Island to post her own 6-under 66. After the tee boxes were moved up on the par-5 8th hole, Zhang capitalized on an eagle opportunity from just over 180 yards.

"It was a really tricky lie for the chip," the 28-year-old admitted of the eagle. "I hit it a bit heavy, but the landing spot was perfect, and it rolled straight into the hole."

That spark carried through to the finish. Facing an 11-yard chip on her final hole, she repeated the feat for birdie. "The last two holes were particularly exciting," added the five-time winner on the CLPGA . "That really got me energized."

Rounding out the trio is 2026 LPGA rookie Hwang, who carded a flawless, bogey-free 66. While the Republic of Korea native has yet to secure a victory this season, she has been remarkably consistent. In just two starts in her rookie campaign, she has remained a constant fixture at the top of the leaderboard.

Despite her early success, Hwang’s goals for her debut year on the LPGA Tour are focused on staying healthy and qualifying for the season finale, CME Group Tour Championship, in November.

“I want to be able to finish this season without being hurt and I want to make sure to end up to play in the CME championship.”

Zining An, Auston Kim and Mi Hyang Lee fired a 5-under 67 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course to share fourth, just one stroke back. Then a group of four players are tied for seventh at 4-under par including People’s Republic of China’s Yu Liu and Ruoning Yin.

Mary Liu, Weiwei Zhang and Youmin Hwang Share Opening Round Lead at Blue Bay LPGA

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