The 2024 Epson Tour season has seen the rookie class show up and out, with some players giving the veterans a run for their money. Saki Baba has been quietly attacking the Epson Tour schedule and now finally sees her name at the top of the leaderboard, sneaking up on clubhouse leader Brooke Matthews late during Friday's first round and ultimately gaining a share of the lead.

Baba finished her round on the ninth hole at Otter Creek Golf Course and jumped from T4 to co-leader after making a long putt for eagle. She walked off the course with a big smile on her face, radiating confidence with 36 holes to play in Indiana.

"I am so happy," said Baba. "My first shot was in a good spot, and I was debating if I go for the green or not for my second shot. I decided in my mind that if I'm debating, I should just go for it. I made the last putt and was really happy."

In addition to the eagle, the Japan native carded six birdies and just one bogey. Wanting a similar outcome for Saturday's second round, and a chance to hoist her first professional trophy on Sunday, Baba is laser-focused on what she can do off the golf course to prepare for a weekend in contention. A win would make the recently turned 19-year-old the youngest Epson Tour winner in 2024, but it’s her mentality that makes her wise beyond her years.

"Because I did well in the first round, I want to be able to continue tomorrow as well," said Baba. "I want to go home and make sure that I'm taking care of myself and taking care of my body so I can work hard, since we start tomorrow morning."

Finishing one group ahead of Baba, Matthews also put together an impressive opening round. The former University of Arkansas Razorback went bogey-free with seven birdies on the card and finally felt like everything was clicking during the first round.

"It's fun when a round finally comes all together," said Matthews. "I played really good today. I was really good with my wedges and short irons and gave myself a lot of chances out there. I was happy to see a bunch of putts fall, too."

The 25-year-old came to Columbus, Ind., with confidence from a T2 finish at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship. She's earned two top-10 finishes so far this season and is on the bubble of the coveted top 15 in the Race for the Card standings, currently sitting at No. 17. Knowing her game is trending in the right direction, Matthews is playing freely, something that’s showing on her scorecards.

"I was playing pretty free today, so same plan tomorrow," said Matthews. "I haven't seen the course in the morning, so we'll see. But it's always good to get off to a good start, and I'm just going to do my best the rest of the weekend."

Rounding out the top five is 2024 Atlantic Beach Classic winner, Briana Chacon in third at 6-under, with Savannah Vilaubi and Pornanong Phatlum sharing fourth at 5-under. Chacon and Vilaubi both went bogey-free, while Phatlum carded six birdies and one bogey. The second round of the Otter Creek Championship begins at 7:30 a.m. local time on Saturday.

Baba and Matthews Fire Low Opening Rounds at Otter Creek Championship

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