Shanshan grabs early lead at US Women’s Open
NEW YORK: China’s Feng Shanshan remained atop the leaderboard after the conclusion of the storm-interrupted opening round of the US Women’s Open.
Sixth-ranked Feng, seeking her second Major crown after the 2012 LPGA Championship, fired a bogeyfree six-under 66 on Thursday to grab a one-stroke lead over South Korean Amy Yang after 18 holes.
Darkness halted play with several contenders still on the course at US President Donald Trump’s golf resort, Trump National in Bedminster, New Jersey, but none could overtake Feng and Yang.
Japan’s Rumi Yoshiba completed her first round yesterday to share third with world No. 1 Ryu So-yeon of South Korea and former world No. 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand on 68.
Michelle Wie withdrew because of a neck injury after shooting a 73 on Thursday. She stopped on her second hole the next day.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda joined a pack on 69 yesterday morning that included seven players despite a closing bogey.
Claiming a share of 13th on 70 yesterday morning were Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Americans Marissa Steen and Nelly Korda.
Protests remain possible at the event with Trump scheduled to spend the weekendd at the Bedminster facility.
The US Golf Associatiion already has come under fire foor failing to move the richest tourrnament in women’s golf after Truump’s controversial commen ts about women during his ppresidential campaign.
When the shotmakiing started Thursday, the focus wass on capturing a Major crown and Feng fared best, starting on the bacck nine and making birdies on the par-4 11th, 12th and 13th holes.
She followed with anoother treble birdie run at the par-4 17th and par-5 18th and first hholes, then closed her morning rround with eight pars.
“I started the round reeally solidly. I had three birdies in thhe first four holes,” Feng said.
“After that I felt comfortablec about everything becauuse my ball striking has been prettyy good, but I was struggling a little biit about my putting.
“I made a little bit (ofo an) adjustment with my coachc after I got here on puttting. Then I’m rolling the balll into the holes now.
“I’m really happy abouta the round, 66. That’s myy low score in US Open eveer so hopefully I can keepp it going.”