Sei Young Kim leads US Women’s Open as world number one Nelly Korda struggles
World number one Nelly Korda endured a difficult start to the US Women’s Open, shooting a two-over-par 73 as South Korea’s Sei Young Kim set the early pace at Riviera Country Club.
The American trails the early leader by six shots after struggling to find the fairway off the tee during her opening round on Thursday.
Kim, who won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2020, carded a brilliant four-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack.
Korda puzzled by swing struggles
The reigning Chevron Championship winner admitted she was surprised by her sudden loss of form.
Korda has been in dominant touch this season, finishing no worse than tied-eighth in 10 of her last 11 global appearances.
However, after making consecutive bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, the pre-tournament favourite could never recover her momentum.
“I honestly just hit it really poorly off the tee,” the 27-year-old explained.
“Found myself in a lot of trouble on the wrong sides of a lot of these pins. I just felt like I was grinding to make safe pars.”
“It wasn’t a great day. I hit it really good Monday through Wednesday, so I have honestly no idea where this came from.”
Kim shines as challengers emerge
While the world’s top-ranked player searches for answers on the practice range, the South Korean pacesetter thrived on the challenging layout.
Kim started and finished her round strongly, carding back-to-back birdies early on before adding three successive birdies on her back nine.
She holds a slender advantage over compatriots Hyunjo Yoo and Ina Yoon, alongside Mexico’s Gaby Lopez.
Lopez had threatened to post an even lower score, reaching six under par after 10 holes before fading with three late bogeys.
British and Irish hopes falter
It proved to be a frustrating opening day for the European contingent competing in California.
England’s Lottie Woad mirrored Korda’s scoring difficulties, signing for a two-over 73.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Leona Maguire faces an uphill battle to make the weekend cut after battling to a five-over-par 76.