Jennifer Kupcho shot a 5-under par 66 on Thursday, securing the opening-round lead at the 2026 US Women's Open.
The 29-year-old made seven birdies at Riviera Country Club to hold a one-shot edge over South Korea's Sei Young Kim on the day's leaderboard.
Jennifer Kupcho Surges Up the LPGA Leaderboard
Kupcho led the field in approach shots on the day with an iron play on the second hole that landed within a foot of the pin. She then built momentum with three consecutive birdies during the afternoon stretch.
According to the world No. 26, a pre-tournament scouting trip helped her read Riviera's greens and angles ahead of time.
"I just really, really like the golf course," she said after Round 1. "It's kind of a ball-striker's paradise. Just hit it down the fairway, hit it on the green and make the putts."
A victory would give Kupcho her fifth career LPGA Tour win and her first major title since the 2022 Chevron Championship.
However, she faces stiff competition in Mexico's Gaby Lopez and Japan's Hinako Shibuno, as both ended the day just two strokes back after carding opening rounds of 3-under-par 68. Lopez made five birdies through her first eight holes before three bogeys pulled her back.
No. 1 Nelly Korda Faces Early Hurdles at Riviera
While Kupcho thrived, US star Nelly Korda endured a frustrating opening day, finishing at 2-over par 73 after struggling with accuracy off the tee.
She swapped out a pair of custom Nike shoes sent by NBA superstar LeBron James mid-round, but said the footwear wasn't to blame.
"It wasn't a great day," Korda told reporters. "I hit it really good Monday through Wednesday, so I have honestly no idea where this came from. I'm going to go to the range."
Where to Watch the 2026 US Women’s Open LPGA Leaderboard
Coverage of the second round of the US Women's Open begins today at 2 PM ET, live on USA Network.
