Jennifer Kupcho surged to the first-round lead at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open, firing a 5-under 66 at Riviera Country Club to hold a one-shot advantage over Sei Young Kim. Kupcho, whose only major title came at the 2022 Chevron Championship, recorded seven birdies and credited her strong ball-striking and a pre-tournament scouting trip for her success. Riviera proved a stern test for the field, with only one eagle recorded all day.
Kim, who has shown strong form in Los Angeles this season, finished at 67 after a late burst of three consecutive birdies. A group at 68 included Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, while Lopez briefly reached 6 under before dropping back with three bogeys.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled to a 2-over round, battling inconsistency off the tee and changing out of a new pair of golf shoes mid-round. Meanwhile, 16-year-old amateur Aphrodite Deng impressed with an even-par 70 before late mistakes cost her a chance to challenge for the lead. The opening round highlighted Riviera’s demanding setup, with firm conditions and challenging greens testing the world’s best players.