Joel Dahmen Fires Career-Best 61 to Lead Wyndham; Japanese Duo Dominate Women’s British Open

Posted : 01 August 2025

Joel Dahmen produced a sensational performance on Thursday, shooting a 9-under-par 61 to match the lowest round of his PGA Tour career and grab the early lead at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina. With the regular season drawing to a close, Dahmen is aiming for a strong finish to secure a place in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Currently ranked 101st in the standings, a win this week could propel him into the top 50, well within playoff qualification.

Dahmen holds a narrow one-shot lead over Sweden’s Alex Noren, who fired an equally impressive 8-under 62 at Sedgefield Country Club. Four players—Cameron Young, Mark Hubbard, Colombia’s Nico Echavarria, and defending champion Aaron Rai of England—sit just behind at 7-under 63.

A cluster of notable names, including Jordan Spieth and Australia’s Adam Scott, posted solid 5-under 65s. While Spieth is safely in the playoff picture at 50th in the rankings, Scott, who entered the week at 85th, will need a high finish to continue his season. Max Homa also remains in the hunt, carding a 66 as he attempts to leap from 106th into the top 70.

Dahmen’s round was highlighted by exceptional putting, making over 131 feet of putts. He caught fire on his back nine—his front nine holes on the course—racking up six birdies, including a 46-foot putt at the par-3 seventh, en route to a 6-under 29.

Meanwhile, over in Wales, Japanese golfers dominated the opening round of the Women’s British Open at Royal Porthcawl. Rio Takeda and Eri Okayama carded matching 5-under-par 67s to sit atop the leaderboard after the first day of action. Fellow Japanese contender Miyu Yamashita is just one stroke behind after a strong round of 68.

Takeda overcame a double bogey on the ninth hole and finished with four birdies in her final six holes to recover impressively. “I had a double bogey today, but I was able to quickly change my mindset and play very consistently,” she said.

Okayama, who has struggled with a back injury in recent months, opened with a bogey but rebounded to post six birdies. “I haven’t been able to practice much, so I didn’t expect to be in this position,” the 29-year-old admitted.

Defending champion Lydia Ko shot a 1-over 73, while world No. 1 Nelly Korda posted a solid 2-under 70, finishing with a birdie after nine consecutive pars. Australia’s Minjee Lee, the Women’s PGA Championship winner, also signed for a 70, and fellow Aussie Grace Kim, fresh off her Evian Championship win, finished at 1-under.

Rising English star Lottie Woad, playing in her first major as a professional after winning the Women’s Scottish Open, ended the day at even par. She was upstaged by compatriot Mimi Rhodes, who sits just two shots off the lead.

“It’s one of those rounds that could have slipped away, but I’m happy I stuck with it,” Woad said, remaining optimistic as the major continues.

Joel Dahmen Fires Career-Best 61 to Lead Wyndham; Japanese Duo Dominate Women’s British Open

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