Webb’s birdie blitz lifts US Open hope
ATOP the leaderboard, veteran Karrie Webb and LPGA Tour sophomore Marina Alex did their best to temper expectations at the US Women’s Open.
The early starters yesterday opened with 4-under-par 66s, and that score held up through the afternoon before things turned wet and windblown.
Play was suspended in the early evening after a storm packing high winds, lightning and heavy rain pounded Lancaster Country Club.
The sudden halt to the action with 55 players left to complete their rounds – with at least two threatening the lead – left Webb and Alex as unlikely co-leaders.
Amy Yang, who played in the morning, was in the clubhouse a shot behind the leaders. Two players on the course were also at 3 under: Na Yeon Choi, the 2012 U.S. Open champion, had three holes to play, while Jane Park had five.
Top-ranked Inbee Park birdied two of her last three holes before play was stopped and was at 2-under through 14. Morgan Pressel and six other morning starters shot a 2under 68.
The 40-year-old Webb reeled off four birdies on her second nine holes and finished with her first score in the 60s in a US Open since 2001, when the Australian won her second straight US championship.
The seven-time major champ started on the back nine and reeled off 10 straight pars before making her move with birdies at the second, fourth, sixth and eighth holes.
This season has been a struggle for Webb, who has three top-10s in 14 starts. That all changed Thursday when she hit 14 fairways and 17 of 18 greens.
“It’s been a test of my patience, I feel like I’ve had some good golf in me,” Webb said.
Asked about possibly adding an eighth major title and moving into a tie for sixth place overall with Betsy Rawls, Webb deferred the question to a later date – Sunday – presumably after the final round.
“That is too early to ask me that question,” Webb said.
Stacey Lewis, who finished second last year, shot a 69, while Lydia Ko opened with 70, and defending champion Michelle Wie, slowed by injury and illness this season, shot a 2-over 72. Jimin Kang withdrew after 16 holes, citing illness.