South Korean star Choi Hye-Jin delivered a brilliant opening performance to seize the first-round lead at the Maybank Championship 2025, setting the tone for an exciting week of world-class golf at the West Course, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
The 25-year-old showcased precision and composure throughout the round, carding a -8(64) to finish atop a highly competitive leaderboard that features some of the LPGA Tour’s finest players, including defending champion Ruoning Yin and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul.
Choi’s performance was marked by accurate ball-striking, strategic course management, and confident putting. She recorded One Eagle, six birdies and no bogeys, with standout moments coming on the par-5 3rd and par-4 18th, where she rolled in lengthy birdie putts that drew loud cheers from the Malaysian crowd.
“So overall it was a really good day today. I had some missed shots but I did really good par saves, so I had a bogey-free round.” Choi said after her round.
“So it was a really good round in the first round, so I’m just going to think therest of the rounds are going to be like today. I’m going to start over and not really think about my score and just try my best.”
Scottish’s Gemma Dryburgh, who continues her fine form following recent top finishes on Tour. Her carded a solid -7(65), and remained T2 highlighted by a first-nine holes that included two birdies in final three holes.
Defending champion Ruoning Yin also remained T21 within striking distance after carding a -4(68) same the world No.1 ranking and runner-up last year Jeeno Thitikul.
Meanwhile, the best of local in the round 1 is Mirabel Ting delighted the home crowd with an impressive -5(67), keeping herself within the T11 and firmly in contention heading into Day 2.
Credit Photo : Maybank
