New Zealand's golfing icon, Dame Lydia Ko, faced a challenging start to the Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl, Wales, sitting six strokes behind the leaders after the first round. While the picturesque Welsh coastline provided a stunning backdrop, the course proved tough for many of the world's top golfers.

The day belonged to Japan, with Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda setting the pace with impressive rounds of five-under 67. Okayama's steady performance and Takeda's aggressive play saw them dominate the leaderboard, creating a significant gap between themselves and the chasing pack. Their scores have set a high bar for the remaining rounds and have positioned them as strong contenders for the coveted title.

Ko, a former world number one and multiple major champion, struggled to find her rhythm on the links, carding a disappointing one-over 73. The round included a mix of pars and a few costly errors, preventing her from challenging for the early lead. She'll need a significant improvement in the coming rounds to stay in contention, particularly given the strength of the field and the demanding nature of the course.

The Royal Porthcawl course, renowned for its challenging layout and undulating fairways, presented a stern test for all competitors. Strategic course management and accurate iron play were key to success, and while Okayama and Takeda demonstrated these qualities, Ko found herself battling to control her game. The unpredictable Welsh weather also added another layer of complexity, with shifting winds and occasional showers impacting scoring.

What's Next for Ko? The second round promises to be crucial for Ko. A strong start will be vital to claw back the lost ground and put herself back in contention. Analysts suggest that focusing on minimising mistakes and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be key to a better performance. The Women's Open has a history of producing dramatic turnarounds, and Ko's experience and resilience will be tested as she aims to mount a comeback.

Beyond the Leaders: While Okayama and Takeda stole the show, several other prominent players are lurking just a few strokes behind, including [mention a few other notable players and their scores]. The competition is fierce, and the leaderboard is likely to change significantly as the tournament progresses.

The Women’s Open continues tomorrow, with players aiming to conquer the challenging Royal Porthcawl course and secure a place at the top of the leaderboard. Can Ko find her form and challenge the Japanese leaders, or will Okayama and Takeda maintain their advantage?