Karis Davidson starts brilliantly at Hazeltine National
Karis Davidson in action during round one – image Scott Taetsch PGA of America
27-year-old Gold Coast golfer, Karis Davidson, continues to make significant strides in her LPGA Tour career, three weeks ago finishing as the joint leading Australian when 22nd at the US Women’s Open in Los Angeles after gaining the last spot in the field there, and, now, producing a stunning opening round of 65 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Minnesota.
Beginning her round at the 10th hole of the Hazeltine National Golf Club’s layout, Davidson made the turn in 32 and then added four more birdies and a bogey on her way in to be at 7 under and two shots from the lead of Korean Ina Yoon.
Scottish-born and raised till the age of 13, Davidson, who first joined the LPGA Tour in 2022 after several seasons on the Japan Ladies Tour where she essentially flew a lone Australian flag, has made all of her ten cuts in 2026 on the LPGA Tour, improving some 90 positions in the Rolex World rankings standings as a result.
At the US Women’s Open, Davidson gained a late start as a result of Celine Boutier’s win in the preceding event, opening up an opportunity for a first alternate from qualifying, and Davidson was the lucky recipient. She took full advantage by finishing 22nd and earning the second biggest cheque of her career to date on the LPGA Tour (US$133,000)
I definitely hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens, and my putting was pretty on today,” said Davidson. “Really felt like I was going to hole everything. So it was a pretty perfect round.”
When asked what the difference has been in her very consistent season in 2026, Davidson responded;
“Well, I think — that’s a good question. I think I’ve been working on myself. Like mentally finding out what I enjoy off the course, I think, has really helped me on the course, because now I feel like I can enjoy it more.
“I think I just need to keep enjoying it and just try and hit the best shots I can; just really embrace the experience. I think it’s pretty special to be up top after day one, so I’m just going to embrace it.”
Minjee Lee is the next best of the Australasians at 1 under and tied for 27th, while Hannah Green, Robyn Choi and Grace Kim are at even par.
