Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul showcased her resilience and skill by shooting a 68 to take an early lead at the Women's PGA Championship. The 22-year-old world number two recovered from a double bogey at the fifth hole with six birdies, finishing four under par at the Fields Ranch East course in Texas.

Minjee Lee of Australia is just one shot behind Thitikul after a rollercoaster round of three-under-par 69, which included seven birdies and four bogeys. Meanwhile, world number one Nelly Korda is four shots off the pace after a par 72 round, featuring two birdies and two bogeys.

Leona Maguire from Ireland is also on level par, while England's Georgia Hall carded a 73. Mimi Rhodes, who has enjoyed three wins on the Ladies European Tour this season, made her debut at a major with a four-over par 76.

Thitikul, who is yet to win a major, credited her putter for her strong performance. "I think my putter went really well today," she said. "In the front nine, we had a lot of breeze, but I made putts at seven, eight, and nine, which boosted my confidence going into the back nine. I told myself to be patient and focus on the next shot because in majors, you're going to miss anyway. What a way to bounce back. It's more important."

The players also had to contend with the intense Texas heat. "I just kept telling my caddie, can you give me another water, can you give me another water," Lee said. "I don't think we could have enough out there. It's really hot." Korda added, "It's hot; I'm still cooling down right now. I'm pretty happy with my first round in the conditions. It definitely takes a toll on you, the Texas heat."

The Women's PGA Championship continues to be a test of skill and endurance as the players navigate the challenging course and weather conditions. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.