Photo Credit: Golf Channel
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The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open began Thursday at historic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. The opening round produced a tightly packed leaderboard. Several international stars positioned themselves near the top.
Jennifer Kupcho finished with a 5-under-par 66 to claim the solo lead after 18 holes. The 2022 Chevron Championship winner delivered one of the day’s most complete performances. Her round placed her one shot ahead of the field entering Friday.
Sei Young Kim sits alone in second place at 4-under-par 67. Kim surged up the leaderboard with five birdies over a six-hole stretch. She then closed with steady pars to secure the clubhouse lead before Kupcho finished her round.
Five players share third place at 3-under-par 68. That group includes Hyunjo Yoo, Ina Yoon, Gaby Lopez, Hinako Shibuno, and Minji Kang. Their strong starts kept the leaderboard crowded heading into the second round.
The leaderboard after the opening round featured a strong international presence. Twelve of the top 13 players came from outside the United States. Kupcho was the lone American among the leaders. Alison Lee and Rose Zhang were the next-highest Americans, tied for 14th place.
First-Round Leaderboard
Jennifer Kupcho (-5, 66)
Sei Young Kim (-4, 67)
T-3. Hyunjo Yoo (-3, 68)
T-3. Ina Yoon (-3, 68)
T-3. Gaby Lopez (-3, 68)
T-3. Hinako Shibuno (-3, 68)
T-3. Minji Kang (-3, 68)
Riviera proved challenging throughout the day. Only 41 players in the 156-player field finished at even par or better. Just 29 competitors completed the round under par.
Defending champion Maja Stark opened with an even-par 71. That score left her tied for 30th place. While not ideal, Stark remains within striking distance entering the second round.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda faced a difficult day. She carded a 2-over-par 73 and finished tied for 57th place. Korda managed only one birdie against three bogeys. She ended the day seven shots behind Kupcho.
Korda’s round included an unusual equipment adjustment. She changed shoes during the round after feeling uncomfortable with her footing. Despite the switch, she struggled to find consistency off the tee.
Several other notable players also found Riviera difficult. Charley Hull and Jeeno Thitikul matched Korda at 2 over par. Lydia Ko posted a 3-over-par 74 and finished tied for 85th place.
Former U.S. Women’s Open champion Michelle Wie West returned to the championship for the first time in three years. The 2014 winner shot a 4-over-par 75. Her round included two birdies and six bogeys.
Wie West earned a spot in the field through an exemption extension. The extension followed the birth of her second child in 2024. She closed her round with an important par putt on the final hole.
One of the stories of the day involved the amateur contingent. Aphrodite Deng briefly shared the lead during the round. Her performance highlighted the depth of talent among the 28 amateurs competing this week.
The first round began at 6:45 a.m. local time and concluded shortly before 8 p.m. Riviera’s demanding layout tested every aspect of the players’ games. Firm greens, strategic bunkering, and narrow landing areas created difficult scoring conditions.
With three rounds remaining, the championship remains wide open. Kupcho holds the advantage, but several accomplished players are close behind. Riviera Country Club is expected to continue separating the field as the tournament progresses.
Friday’s second round will determine who remains in contention. It will also decide who survives the cut in pursuit of one of golf’s most prestigious titles.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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