Hammond’s hot start powers her to the lead at the Ohio Women’s Open

SPRINGBORO, Ohio — For much of Thursday’s opening round of the Ohio Women’s Open, it felt less like a golf tournament and more like a showcase.

Mia Hammond and Gabby Woods spent the morning trading punches at Heatherwoode Golf Club, two of the championship’s biggest names delivering exactly the kind of golf spectators hoped to see.

In the end, it was Hammond who landed the biggest blow in round 1.

The New Albany native and world’s 154th-ranked amateur opened with four consecutive birdies and never looked back, carding a 4-under-par 67 to take a two-shot lead into Friday’s final round.

For Hammond, whose résumé already includes an Epson Tour victory as an amateur, the round was a reminder of why she remains one of the most promising young players in the game.

Yet for much of the day, Woods was right there beside her.

The defending Ohio Women’s Open champion matched Hammond’s early charge and produced one of the shots of the tournament on the par-5 ninth. Her towering approach landed softly before rolling to tap-in range, setting up an easy eagle. 

While the birdies dried up on the inward nine, Woods still signed for a 2-under-par 69 and enters the final round tied for second place.

Joining her is Ohio Women’s Open newcomer Victoria Elizabeth.

The former LPGA Tour player and IMG Academy product recovered from a slow start with a strong closing stretch, making birdies on Nos. 10, 11 and 17 to finish alongside Woods at 2-under before late scoring adjustments placed her one shot further back.

A crowded group sits at 1-over-par, including recent Ohio State graduate and world No. 26 amateur Kary Hollenbaugh, reigning Michigan PGA Women’s Open champion Jessica Welch, Southern Ohio PGA Professional Allie White, Gracie James, Paige Treherne and Ellie Yeazell.

With 44 players in the field and just one round remaining, Saturday’s finale promises a compelling mix of proven champions, elite amateurs and rising stars.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Hammond.

After one round at Heatherwoode, she’s the player everyone else is chasing.