US Women’s Open: Jennifer Kupcho leads by one shot after first round

Jennifer Kupcho made a strong start to golf’s second women’s major of the year as she took a one-shot lead at the US Women’s Open after the first round on Thursday.

The 29-year-old American fired a five-under 66 at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles to take the lead from South Korea’s Kim Se-young.

Kupcho said missing the cut at the event the past three years “took a bit of a weight off my chest”.

Kupcho, whose Previous main title only Came into the 2022 Chevron Championship, opening with three straight birdies and finishing seven overall with two bogeys.

“It’s like a ball-striker’s paradise – hit it to the fairway, hit the green and make the putt,” he said.

“I was hitting the ball well today, spinning the ball really well with the putter as well, so (that) definitely helped with my confidence with the putter.”

Mexico’s Gabby Lopez and one-time major winner Hinako Shibuno of Japan are among a group of five who are tied for third place, two shots off the lead.

Nellie Korda who is number one in the world Won the inaugural major of the year In April, the pace was off a bit with a round of 73.

“I felt like I was grinding to make safe purses,” the American said. “It wasn’t a great day. I honestly have no idea where it came from.”

She joins world number two Athaya Thitikul and the English quintet of Charlie Hull, Mimi Rhodes, Bronte Law, Lottie Wade and Nellie Wong in the two overs.

The event is being held at the Los Angeles course that hosts the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational and will be the golf venue for the 2028 Olympics.