GOLF: Jennifer Kupcho snags first-round lead at U.S. Women's Open

Jennifer Kupcho surged into the lead after the opening round of the U.S. Women’s Open on Thursday, posting a 5-under-par 66 at Riviera Country Club to take a one-shot advantage in the season’s major championship.

Kupcho, four years removed from her lone major victory, sits atop a tightly packed leaderboard after a strong start in Los Angeles. She is one stroke ahead of South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, who also opened with a composed round to stay within striking distance.

A group of players is tied for third at 3-under, including Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, and South Korea’s Ina Yoon, Hyunjo Yoo, and Minji Kang.

At 2-under and tied for eighth are Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, South Korea’s Jiyai Shin, China’s Ruoning Yin, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, and Australians Minjee Lee and Karis Davidson.

Kupcho did not arrive in peak form, having missed the cut at the ShopRite LPGA Classic last week and recording just one top-10 finish in 11 events this season. However, she quickly found her rhythm on Thursday, opening with three consecutive birdies and adding four more along with two bogeys to secure the clubhouse lead.

“Honestly, I kind of just felt at home,” Kupcho said. “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.”

She added, “It’s kind of a ball-striker’s paradise — just hit it down the fairway, hit it on the green, and make the putts.”

Reflecting on leading her national championship after 18 holes, Kupcho said, “To be out here competing, be at the top is pretty cool. Obviously something I’ve never been able to say even after one round. So pretty cool to be able to say that.”

Kupcho previously claimed her only major title at the 2022 Chevron Championship.

Sei Young Kim, also a major champion after winning the 2020 Women’s PGA Championship, started fast with back-to-back birdies and finished strong with a closing stretch that included three consecutive birdies.

“The course is not easy. Like every hole is putting me to the test,” Kim said. “I played it quite solid today, so I’m very happy with that. But we have three more days, and I look forward to the rest of the tournament.”

World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who has three wins and multiple runner-up finishes this season, is tied for 57th at 2-over par alongside world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul. -Field Level Media/Reuters