After shooting a bogey-free 68 at Gainbridge LPGA, Xiyu Lin had more than one reason to celebrate a successful opening round. Today was her 25th birthday.

“I feel actually pretty pumped to play first round of 2021's tournament on my birthday. Really been looking forward to this week for a long time,” said Lin, who is tied with seven others in fourth. “Well, in China time, it was starting last night. My parents already texted me and then we called and then most of my friends actually texted me while I was sleeping last night, so I got some messages this morning.”

Though she successfully navigated the 2020 LPGA Tour season with a season best T7 finish at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, Lin admitted that she wasn’t too satisfied come December.

“I mean, last year since the lockdown started, when I had so much time on my hand, I was just telling myself I really want to work myself into a good short game player, chipping, pitching and putting,” said Lin. “I think we got a lot out of this last year and winter we kind of kept going, just working on those stuff. I always lose confidence with my swing, so it's mostly around the green, and also like little bit at mental, like believe in myself a little bit more, so obviously I tried to have all them working today, so I think it's working pretty good.”