Aditi Ashok's Bright Finish Highlights Portland Classic

Portland, Oregon, Aug 15 (PTI) — In an impressive display at The Standard Portland Classic, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok finished her first round with a strong performance, recording four consecutive birdies toward the end to achieve a score of 3-under 69, placing her in a tie for 32nd place. Beginning her round on the 10th tee, Aditi started with four pars, followed by a birdie on the 14th. However, bogeys on the 18th and third hole left her 1-over par. She then made a remarkable comeback with four birdies in a row from the fifth to the eighth holes, resulting in her 3-under round.

Two-time champion Brooke Henderson played excellently by birdieing all four par-5 holes to secure a 7-under 65, placing her just one stroke behind the first-round leader, Adela Cernousek. Henderson is tied for second alongside four other players, including Gurleen Kaur, a first-generation Indian-American. Also among them are China’s Miranda Wang and the Korean duo of Jeongeun Lee5 and Sung Hyun Park, each recording a score of 65, matching Henderson.

The 25-year-old Gurleen Kaur has previously played in the 2021 US Women's Open and went professional in 2022. Having played on the Epson Tour, she joined the LPGA in 2024. Starting on the 10th tee, Gurleen demonstrated her skill by scoring eight birdies, five of which came in a seven-hole stretch between the second and eighth holes.

Adding to the notable performances, Canadian Savannah Grewal, who has Indian roots, is also tied for 32nd place.

Adela Cernousek, the leader, delivered an exceptional round with a 65, finishing her final nine holes at 7-under 29. Her performance was highlighted by an eagle on the 7th hole. The 22-year-old Frenchwoman’s impressive play off the 10th tee concluded as one of the standout rounds of the day.