Robyn Choi’s Surge Makes Her A Genuine LPGA Title Threat

May 31, 2018; Shoal Creek, AL, USA; Robyn Choi putts on the second green during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship golf tournament at Shoal Creek. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY SportsRobyn Choi is finally within striking distance of a long-awaited LPGA Tour title, and the path looks clearer than it has in years. The Australian fired a six-under-par 66 on Saturday to sit tied for fourth place at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia. She trails the leader by just four shots, a margin that feels manageable on a course where scores are dropping fast. This isn’t just a good round; it is a genuine shot at her maiden victory.Choi’s round included eight birdies, a display of aggression that has been missing from her game for too long. According to Australian Golf Digest, she has managed only two top-10 results since her rookie season in 2019. That drought ends this weekend if she can keep her foot on the gas. The field is tough, but the gap is small enough to close with a few more hot holes.The Japanese DominanceChoi faces a massive hurdle in defending champion Miyu Yamashita. The Japanese star shot a 67 on Saturday to reach 18 under and hold a two-shot lead. Yamashita is the 2025 Women’s British Open winner and is hunting back-to-back wins in Kuala Lumpur. Australian Golf Digest noted she remains on track for consecutive triumphs, which adds serious pressure to the field. Beating a player on a hot streak is hard, but Choi has the numbers to make it happen.The Japanese presence is strong all around. Yuri Yoshida won last week in South Korea, marking the fourth win for a Japanese player this season. That momentum shifts the odds, but it does not seal the deal. Choi is right there, tied with Thai amateur Marisa Tojai, who also shot a 65. The competition is fierce, but the door is open.Aussie Contingent and the CutChoi is not the only Australian making waves. Karis Davidson sits tied for 18th at nine under after a 70, while Cassie Porter is a shot further back. Hannah Green posted a 66 to climb to five under. According to the report, these players are all still in the hunt, but Choi has the clear momentum. The pressure is on to convert this chance into a win.A 63, the round of the day, put China’s Yan Liu in a tie for second place. That score includes an eagle and nine birdies, showing just how low the bar is set. If Choi can match that kind of scoring, she will be in the mix on Sunday. The leaderboard is tight, and every shot counts. The next round will define the tournament.The LPGA’s Asian swing is set to end next week with the Toto Japan Classic.