Karrie Webb of Australia and Marina Alex were tied for the lead at 4-under-par 66 when high winds, lightning and heavy rain halted the 70th U.S. Women’s Open during the first round at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.
The 40-year-old Webb, who hit all 14 fairways and 17-of-18 greens in her bogey-free round, was asked later about the possibility of claiming her eighth major title to tie Betsy Rawls for sixth on the all-time LPGA list.
“That is too early to ask me that question,” said Webb, who won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2000 and 2001. “But that’s never been a goal of mine. I’m just happy to get off to a good start and hopefully continue to play this good for the next three days.
“Playing rounds like this are what motivates me. What’s really pleasing is to play like this, because I know that I’ve worked really hard and that the swing is starting to be a little more automatic. I don’t have to think about what body part moves when. It’s nice to have played so soundly today.”
Alex, who has only two top-10 finishes in her two seasons on the LPGA Tour including a tie for ninth in the NW Arkansas Championship last month, birdied three of the last six holes while finishing on the front nine after making her only bogey at No. 18.
Amy Yang of South Korea collected seven birdies in a 67 and tied for third with Na Yeon Choi, the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open Champion, who was through 15 holes when play was halted, and Jane Chin, who completed 13 holes.
Sydnee Michaels of Temecula and UCLA was tied for sixth at 68 with Morgan Pressel, Mi Hyang Lee of South Korea, Austin Ernst, In Gee Chun of South Korea and Elizabeth Nagel.
Top-ranked Inbee Park of South Korea was 2-under after 14 holes, while amateur Muni He of China also was tied for sixth after 11 holes.
Third-ranked Stacy Lewis was in a tie for 14th at 69 and second-ranked Lydia Ko of New Zealand was tied for 18th at 70.
Defending champion Michelle Wie of Stanford, battling a left hip injury, was tied for 62nd at 72.
