Jennifer Kupcho opened the US Women’s Open with a blistering five‑under 66, seizing a one‑stroke lead after round one at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The 29‑year‑old American birdied three of her first four holes and finished with seven birdies total, putting her ahead of South Korea’s Kim Sei‑Young. The low‑scoring conditions favored players who could attack the fairways.

Kupcho said the round lifted ‘a weight off my chest’ after missing the cut at this championship for three consecutive years. Her only prior major came at the 2022 Chevron Championship. Five players share third place, two strokes back, including Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Japan’s former major winner Hinako Shibuno. Lopez posted a 68, while Shibuno carded a 69, keeping the chase lively.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda faltered with a 73, describing the day as ‘grinding to make safe pars’ and leaving her two strokes behind the leader. World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul and England’s Charley Hull, Mimi Rhodes, Bronte Law, Lottie Woad and Nellie Ong all posted 71. The field also includes defending champion Ashleigh Barty, who missed the cut, underscoring the tournament’s unpredictability. With the tournament set on the future Olympic course, Kupcho’s early advantage puts her in a strong position heading into the weekend.