Alexander Opens with Eagle and Bogey-Free 64 to Lead Wistron Ladies Open
South African Casandra Alexander carded a bogey-free 64 at Sunrise Golf and Country Club, capped by an eagle on the final hole, to take a two-shot lead in the Wistron Ladies Open. The LET Order of Merit leader overcame back stiffness during practice to deliver a composed performance, highlighted by strong wedge play and scoring on par-5s. Cheng-Hsuan Shih sits in second place at 6-under, while England’s Alice Hewson and Hannah Screen are tied for third.
Casandra Alexander of South Africa opened the Wistron Ladies Open at Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Chinese Taipei with a bogey-free 64, capped by an eagle on the 530-yard par-5 18th hole, giving her an early two-shot lead over Cheng-Hsuan Shih of Chinese Taipei, who carded a 66 to sit at 6-under. Alexander, currently leading the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit, overcame back stiffness during pre-round practice but reported feeling significantly better once on the course. Her round featured birdies on holes 2, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, and the final eagle, showcasing strong wedge play and effective scoring on par-5s—key factors in her performance. She has already secured two LET victories this season: wire-to-wire wins at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and the Ladies Italian Open. Meanwhile, England’s Alice Hewson and Hannah Screen, along with several other players including Helen Briem, Emma Spitz, Ginnie Ding, and home favorite Pei-Ying Tsai, are tied for third at 5-under. Defending champion Yani Tseng is among a ten-way tie for 10th at 4-under. The tournament, held on a course Alexander’s playing partner, Tseng, previously won, underscores the competitive depth of the LET field.
Alexander’s performance reflects her current form and consistency as the season’s top-ranked player, though her focus remains on maintaining composure rather than chasing records. Her caddie, Doug Pirie, is expected to emphasize patience for the upcoming rounds. The tournament’s location at Sunri
The Wistron Ladies Open’s opening round highlights the growing visibility and competitiveness of women’s professional golf on international circuits like the LET. Alexander’s bogey-free 64, achieved despite physical discomfort, could inspire younger athletes by demonstrating resilience and mental fortitude under pressure. Her performance may also influence sponsorship interest and media coverage for players who balance elite performance with personal challenges. The presence of multiple top players from Asia—including Shih, Tsai, and several others—reflects the region’s increasing investment in women’s golf infrastructure and talent development, potentially shifting global competitive dynamics over time. A comparable precedent is the rise of players like Lydia Ko or Inbee Park, whose early dominance helped elevate the sport’s profile in their home countries and beyond. Looking ahead, the tournament could serve as a barometer for player form heading into major events later in the sea