The first round of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills has concluded with Ho Yu An of Chinese Taipei taking an early lead after shooting an impressive opening-round 69 (3-under-par). The 2016 AI Mission Hills champion leads four players by one shot heading into the second round.
Launched in 2011 as China’s first and only all-girls event, this year’s edition features another collection of top talent. Players hail from 10 different countries from as far away as Mongolia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Last year’s champion, Shi Hui-Ying, is not defending due to injury. However, other ANNIKA Foundation alumnae are sure to make their mark. They include Zhi Yi Mei of China, who’s making her sixth appearance in the ANNIKA Invitational Mission Hills. Current leader Ho Yu An is playing in her fifth ANNIKA Invitational, including her participation in the ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex in 2017.
Top female golfers ages nine to 17 are competing for R&A and CGA ranking points as well as the title. In addition, the top-three amateurs from Mission Hills will be invited to play in the 2019 ANNIKA Invitational USA.
After the first round, Annika conducted a golf clinic where she spent time with the girls and their guests sharing skills and knowledge she collected over the course of her career.
“It’s really incredible how much our event has grown since its inception in 2011,” said Annika, who was recently ranked No. 6 on ESPN’s list of all time Most Dominant Athletes. “We’re delighted to have such an exceptional partner in Mission Hills and look forward to yet another extremely successful tournament.”
Second-round tee times will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees of the Annika Course at Mission Hills Golf Club.
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