British trio Charley Hull, Gemma Dryburgh and Lottie Woad sit four shots off the lead, alongside world number one Nelly Korda, after the first round of the US Women’s Open.
They are all at level par on a congested leaderboard at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
American world number 11 Angel Yin and 2020 champion A Lim Kim are among six players in the joint lead on four under after a day when 58 players shot level par or better.
England’s Hull, who was two over after 11 holes, hit birdies on the 12th and 16th holes to post a 72 and match the efforts of Scotland’s Dryburgh who birdied the 13th and 14th holes to wipe out early bogeys.
Amateur Lottie Woad, who won the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2024, was three under after 10 holes but a double-bogey six on the par-four 17th saw her drop back.
Two-time major winner Korda had one bogey and one birdie in her 72.
“Overall, I can’t complain,” said the American.
“First day, it’s all about patience. I’m striking it pretty well, so hopefully I can carry that into the next couple days.”
