The Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba has an early split at the top after Brianna Do and Melanie Green each opened with a 6-under 66 on Thursday at El Camaleón in Playa del Carmen. In difficult conditions that featured heat and wind, both Americans handled the opening day better than the rest of the field and will take a shared lead into the second round.
Do and Green Set the Pace
There was nothing fluky about the number, even if Green’s route included one of the day’s loudest highlights. The LPGA rookie made a hole-in-one on the par-3 15th and turned that spark into a share of the lead. Green is in her first LPGA season after earning status for 2026 and arrived in Mexico already showing signs she can compete at this level.
Do’s 66 may be just as important a story. She is 36, has been on the LPGA since 2013 and is still chasing her first win. Her recent history in this event suggests this venue fits her game, with her 2025 season-best finish coming here when she tied for ninth. Reuters also noted that she came out quickly on Thursday with four birdies in her first five holes before finishing with another birdie at the 18th.
Carlota Ciganda Is Well Placed
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda sits alone in third after a 5-under 67, which may make her one of the most dangerous players going into Friday. She is close enough to attack, but far enough off the lead to stay patient. On this type of board, it can be a good place to be.
Nelly Korda and Gaby López Are Right There
World No. 1 Nelly Korda is part of the group at 4-under 68, only two shots back after her Chevron Championship win last week, which moved her back to the top of the Rolex Rankings. That alone gives this leaderboard extra weight. If Korda posts something low on Friday, the mood of the tournament changes immediately.
Gaby López also gave the home fans something to believe in. She signed for a 68 that included five birdies and an eagle at the 18th, offset by one bogey and one double bogey. The local support is clearly part of the story this week, and López said after the round that she was happy with her start and pleased to be in the fight.
Round 2 Outlook
The second round already has a clear shape. Do and Green have the lead, but the chasers are strong and varied. Ciganda is one back. Korda and López are two back. The event’s defending champion, Chizzy Iwai, has more work to do after opening with a 75. All of that gives Friday a proper moving-day feel, even though the weekend hasn’t started yet.
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