An unexpected name topped the leaderboard on the opening day of the Rejuran Championship, the 2026 season opener of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour with a total purse of 1.2 billion won.
Park Dan-yu, a relatively unknown player who competed in the second-tier Dream Tour last year and missed the cut 19 times in 28 tournaments during the 2024 season, claimed the top spot. However, she is well known as a dominant force in screen golf, having won eight career titles on the Golfzon WG Tour. On the first day of the tournament at Amata Spring Country Club (par 72) in Chonburi, Thailand, Park carded an 8-under-par 64 with nine birdies and one bogey.
Yet numerous top-ranked players threatening Park's quest for her first career victory populated the upper portion of the leaderboard. Lee Ye-won, who swept major categories including prize money, Player of the Year, and scoring average in 2023, shot a 6-under-par 66 to share second place with Han A-reum. Yoo Hyun-jo, last year's Player of the Year and lowest stroke average winner, posted a 5-under-par 67 for a share of fourth place. Lee recorded six birdies without a bogey, while Yoo collected seven birdies against two bogeys.
Noh Seung-hee, last year's second-place money winner, also made her presence felt with a 4-under-par 68, tying for 10th place. She made six birdies and two bogeys. Fan favorites Park Hyun-kyung and Lim Hee-jeong are eyeing a top-10 finish from their tied 17th position at 3-under-par 69.
Many top-ranked players face cut concerns after the first day. The crowded group of 26 players tied at even-par 72 in 54th place notably includes several elite names.
Last year's money leader Hong Jung-min and Rookie of the Year Seo Gyo-rim both sit in the tied 54th group, alongside Han Jin-sun, Lee Ga-young, Park Joo-young, Lee Yul-lin, and Ko Ji-won. Park Min-ji, who needs just one more victory to reach 20 career wins, struggled to a 1-over-par 73, tied for 80th place.
