Thitikul Takes the Lead in Texas
Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul surged to the top of the leaderboard on Thursday after the opening round of the PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas. With a strong performance of 4-under-par (68 strokes), Thitikul set the early pace in a competitive field.
Ciganda Struggles After Recent Victory
Coming off a remarkable win last week—her third career title on the LPGA Tour and first since 2016—Spain’s Carlota Ciganda faced a tougher start this time. Despite her recent form, she recorded a 2-over-par round that included three birdies, three bogeys, and a costly double bogey. As it stands, she sits six shots behind the leader. The projected weekend cut is currently at +3.
Among the other notable players, Spain’s Azahara Muñoz carded a +3 in her first round, Mexico’s Gaby López posted +5, and Julia López closed the day at +7.
Paula Martín: From Stanford to Scottish Glory
While Ciganda battles in Texas, another Spanish golfer is making waves internationally—this time in the amateur ranks. Nineteen-year-old Paula Martín Sampedro, a standout at Stanford University, continues to impress both on and off the course.
Last weekend, Martín clinched the title at the 122nd Women’s Amateur Championship in Nairn, Scotland. The final, contested over 36 grueling holes, saw her face off against American Farah O’Keefe. Though O’Keefe had an edge in power, Martín’s exceptional short game and strategic play proved decisive. British commentators frequently praised her refined technique, often referring to her as having “Spanish Hands”—a term famously associated with Seve Ballesteros.
A Team Effort in Victory
Martín attributes much of her success in the final to the support of fellow Spaniard Paula Francisco, who served as her caddie from the semifinals onward. “Finals always bring some tension,” Martín told MARCA, “but Paula made it much easier. Between shots, we were laughing, which helped keep me calm. She also helped plan each shot carefully, and that was crucial. We found the perfect balance between being focused and allowing for lighthearted moments.”
This mental approach helped Martín stay resilient and focused, keeping negative thoughts at bay and preventing distractions from affecting her performance.
Bright Future Ahead
Currently ranked seventh in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Martín has made it clear that she intends to complete her two remaining academic years at Stanford before turning professional. With her recent win and a solid foundation both athletically and academically, she appears well on her way to becoming one of the next big names in women’s golf.