A first-round 68 for LPGA rookie Emma McMyler has the 23-year-old just two shots off the lead at the Blue Bay LPGA. It is a solid start for the American, who is making her debut this week in the People's Republic of China.

McMyler's opening round at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course was a true "tale of two nines." She ignited her day with a front-nine 31, fueled by five birdies. While the young American admitted she felt steady early on, the back nine proved a bit tricky; she carded a double bogey and a bogey, but countered them with two birdies to finish the side at 1-over par.

"I wasn't too nervous to start out," McMyler said. "I was just pretty steady and stayed calm, knowing that I prepared well this offseason. I put in the work, and I'm ready to perform."

McMyler, a former star at Xavier and Duke University, earned her LPGA Tour card through the Final Qualifying Stage of 2025 LPGA Q-Series, where she finished T17.

The achievement followed a season on the Epson Tour, where her game found its rhythm in the latter half of the year. The Epson Tour alum made 10 cuts in 18 starts, highlighted by a season-best T8 finish at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa.

"I played through an injury toward the beginning of last year, so getting healthy was a big thing," McMyler said. "Once I was able to get healthy, I started striking the ball really well. I found a groove in my swing and started knocking down my targets. I've been playing well, putting up some good numbers."

Like many before her, McMyler credits the Epson Tour for preparing her for the challenges of professional golf. The Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA serves as a classroom of sorts for the "business" of being an athlete.

"It helped me a lot," the LPGA rookie said. "Just getting comfortable out on the pro circuit, knowing what you need to do to prepare for Thursday leading into the week, and then just managing all the travel and playing back-to-back weeks was a big help, and I think it'll only help me throughout this year on LPGA."

Rookie Emma McMyler Finding Her Groove at Blue Bay LPGA

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