American Jennifer Kupcho holds a one-shot lead after the first round of the US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club.
The 29-year-old, whose previous major title came at the 2022 Chevron Championship, made seven birdies in a five-under-par 66.
That was one ahead of Korea’s Sei Young Kim, with Kim’s compatriots Minji Kang, Ina Yoon and Hyunjo Yoo joined by Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Japan’s Hinako Shibuno on three under.
“I was hitting the ball well today. Also rolling the ball really well with the putter,” said Kupcho. “So seeing a lot of things fall definitely helped with the confidence with my putter.
“I kind of just felt at home. I feel like I really like the golf course. It kind of just flies by. I don’t know, I feel like I just really, really like the golf course.
“I’ve missed the last three US Open cuts. So barring something crazy doesn’t happen tomorrow, I’ll be playing on the weekend.
“I think it kind of just lets me relax and not have to worry about, OK, I just need to make the cut. Just go out there and play my best, take every shot as it is, and see what happens at the end of the day.”
There were no British players under par, with Bronte Law, Mimi Rhodes, Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and amateur Nellie Ong all signing for two-over rounds of 73.
World No 1 Nelly Korda was also two over for her opening round.
PA
