Ina Yoon made history on Thursday at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship by matching the best score in the tournament's history with a remarkable nine-under 63. This stellar performance at Hazeltine National Golf Club gives her a two-stroke lead over Karis Davidson and positions her well in her pursuit of a first LPGA Tour victory.

Yoon, just 23 years old and from South Korea, displayed exceptional skill by birdieing five of her last six holes. Her impressive putting was a key factor in her record-equalling round.

In contrast, English golfers Charley Hull and Lottie Woad struggled to keep pace, finishing 10 and 9 shots back, respectively. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, aiming to become the third woman to win the first three majors in a season, ended her round at two-under 70.

Key highlights from the opening round include:

• Karis Davidson achieving a career-best 65, with eight birdies.
• Alexa Pano and A Lim Kim tied for third at 67.
• Korda suffered a double-bogey on the 16th hole after an errant shot.

Yoon's score ranks as the fourth-best first-round score in any major since 1980, trailing only remarkable performances by Hyo Joo Kim, Mirim Lee, and Lorena Ochoa.

Davidson, also in pursuit of her first title, expressed satisfaction with her round, stating, "Hit a lot of fairways. Hit a lot of greens. Putting was pretty on today."

Jeeno Thitikul, ranked second in the world, shot a 69 and remains in contention. The competition heats up as the tournament progresses, with Amanda Doherty recording a hole-in-one on the 17th hole.