Kelly Zhao of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is the sole leader of the Girls Division at even-par 72 after the first 18 holes. Zhao notched two birdies and a bogey-free back nine during her round. She is looking for her first-career AJGA win at just her third AJGA event.
Rounding out the top-3 girls in a three-way tie for second place at 1-over-par 73 are Jacinda Lee of Camas, Washington, Harper Edwards of Victoria, Texas, and Ananya Ray of Bellevue, Washington. Lee, Edwards and Ray each had at least three birdies throughout the first round.
Austin Hofferkamp of The Woodlands, Texas, shot 3-under-par 69 to lead the Boys Division. Hofferkamp notched three birdies during the round along with an eagle on No. 10. The rising high school freshman is looking for his first-career AJGA win.
Rounding out the top-5 players in the Boys Division in a four-way tie at 1-under-par 71 are: Maxwell VanderMolen of Richland, Michigan, Carson Looney of Bethesda, Maryland, Jacob Lang of Alvaton, Kentucky, and Jacob Settles of Winchester, Kentucky. Each of the four players had at least two birdies during their round.