Minjee Lee shoots 65 in Shanghai as she chases season-long honors

Minjee Lee began the LPGA Tour's Asian swing in Shanghai on Thursday aiming to consolidate a standout season that has already earned her major player-of-the-year honors and left her vying for several season-long awards. The Australian shot a 7-under 65 in the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai at Qizhong Garden Golf Club to sit one stroke behind first-round leader Arpichaya Yubol, who carded a bogey-free 8-under 64.

Lee's opening round left her tied for second with world No.1 Jeeno Thitikul, Jenny Shin, Jenny Bae and Ina Yoon. Defending champion Ruoning Yin opened with a 1-under 71. Lee, Thitikul and Yin are scheduled to play together in the weekend's marquee groupings for the first two rounds.

The week has added significance for Lee beyond the tournament itself. She captured her third major title at the Women's PGA Championship in June and already secured the ANNIKA award for major player of the year. She is also second in the overall player-of-the-year standings behind Thitikul with seven events remaining, positioning her to attempt a season double that would mark the first time an Australian has won both honors since Karrie Webb in 1999 and 2000.