Kaili Xiao of Chino Hills, California, surged to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Rolex Girls Junior Championship, firing a 5-under 67. Playing in her third appearance at the prestigious AJGA Invitational, the USC commit put together a steady round highlighted by an eagle and four birdies, overcoming a lone bogey on her final hole to take a two-shot lead.
“I felt really comfortable today with my irons and putter,” Xiao said. “The course is challenging, and the greens were quick. It’s a really nice event, and I’m so happy I could come back again.” The performance continues a strong season for Xiao, who finished sixth at the Fortinet Stanford Invitational and tied for fourth at last year's Rolex Girls Junior Championship.
A victory this week would be her fourth AJGA title and first Invitational win.
Two San Diego players share second place after opening with 3-under 69s. California-Berkeley commit Inseoul Jiamanukoonkit birdied five holes in her Rolex Girls Junior Championship debut, while Amber Lee, ranked No. 18 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, matched that score with four birdies in her round. Lee is making her second appearance in the championship after finishing runner-up a year ago.
HOST COURSE
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Sycamore Hills is one of the Midwest’s most celebrated private clubs. The club has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the U.S. Girls Junior Championship, the U.S. Junior Amateur, and multiple collegiate and amateur tournaments.