Wongras Took Early Lead at Epson Tour Event
Cholcheva Wongras shot an 8-under 63 to set the pace in the first round of the tournament on the Players Course.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Golf
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Rookie Cholcheva Wongras surged to the lead at the Epson Tour event after carding an 8-under 63. She currently holds a two-stroke advantage over second-place Reagan Zibilski.
Why it matters
Strong performances in this tournament are vital for players looking to improve their standing in the Race for the Card. Securing a top finish could be decisive for those aiming to move into the top 35 or 15 rankings.
Cholcheva Wongras finished with an 8-under 63, while Reagan Zibilski shot a 6-under 65 and Anne Chen followed with a 66. Four other competitors finished the opening round with scores of 67.
The players
Cholcheva Wongras
She is a 2026 professional rookie from Chiang Mai, Thailand, who previously won the Reliance Matrix Championship.
Reagan Zibilski
She is a professional golfer who secured second place after the first round of the tournament.
Anne Chen
She is a professional golfer who won last year's championship after a five-hole playoff.
The details
Wongras overcame an opening-hole bogey by recording nine birdies throughout the round, including a critical par save from a bunker on the 17th hole. The tournament is being hosted on the Players Course, testing players as they navigate the field.
Timeline
The first round of the tournament occurred on October 2, 2026.
Cholcheva Wongras began her professional rookie season in 2026.
Cholcheva Wongras will hold an LPGA Tour card in 2027.
Season Trajectory
Performances in this event directly impact player movement within the Race for the Card, which determines who earns a spot on the LPGA Tour. Success here shifts the competitive balance as golfers fight to break into the top 35 and top 15 rankings before the season concludes.
With a successful opening round, Wongras is currently positioned to challenge the top 35 threshold required for the Race for the Card. Players like Guce and Ardina must now overcome early deficits in subsequent rounds to remain viable in the season-long standings.
The takeaway
Rookies aiming for professional advancement must demonstrate consistency across multiple rounds to secure their tour cards. Maintaining focus despite early mistakes remains the most effective strategy for climbing the leaderboard.
Further reading
For more information on current tournament results, visit the Golf section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tribune.
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