England's Mimi Rhodes shares the early lead at the PIF Saudi Ladies International after carding an impressive eight-under-par 64 in the opening round. The 24-year-old from Taunton matched South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi with her stellar performance at the season-opening Ladies European Tour event in Riyadh.

Rhodes, who enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with three victories and Rookie of the Year honors, rolled in eight birdies during her round. Her front nine included birdies at holes two, five, and seven, followed by additional gains at 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16. Japan's Chizzy Iwai sits one shot back in solo third place at seven under, while Belgium's Manon De Roey and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit share fourth at six under.

After a winter break, Rhodes admitted to feeling nervous at the start but quickly found her rhythm. "I don't think I missed a green on the back nine, so everything was feeling good," she said. The Taunton native praised the course conditions, noting the improved greens and her comfort with the speed after focused practice rounds. With her LPGA Tour card already secured, Rhodes appears poised for another strong season on both tours.