Kupcho seizes slim lead in US Women's Open at Riviera

June 5, 2026 - 07:09

Jennifer Kupcho charged out of the gates with a five-under-par 66 to claim a one-shot lead after the first round of the US Women's Open at Riviera Country Club on Thursday. The American carded seven birdies against two bogeys, putting her ahead of South Korea's Kim Sei-young by a single stroke.

Kupcho's round was marked by aggressive iron play and steady putting, allowing her to take advantage of the firm, fast conditions at the historic layout. She opened on the back nine and quickly made her move, rolling in three birdies in her first five holes. A minor stumble with a bogey on the par-4 15th was quickly erased by another birdie on the 17th. After making the turn, she added two more birdies on the front side before a final bogey on the par-3 eighth kept her from extending the lead further.

Kim Sei-young sits alone in second place after a solid four-under 67. The course, known for its tricky kikuyu grass and sloping fairways, proved a stern test for the rest of the field. Only a handful of players managed to break par, with the scoring average hovering above 73. Kupcho will look to build on her momentum when the second round begins on Friday.