By: Max Bechtoldt
50 years ago, the 1974 men’s U.S. Open earned the nickname “The Massacre at Winged Foot.” That year, the winning score posted by Hale Irwin was +7. This isn’t to say that the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open will be a repeat of that, but the start felt a bit like it.
Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang are arguably the five biggest names on the LPGA Tour, they shot a combined +47. This isn’t to say that no big names are playing well of course. Two-time major winner Minjee Lee is two back after an even par round. And the leader, Yuka Saso is herself a major champion, winning the 2021 edition of this event.
Saso played superb golf Thursday, shooting -2 despite a bogey on the final hole. For much of the day, it seemed unclear if anyone would get lower than -1. Hitting fairways felt essential on Lancaster Country Club. Every missed fairway felt like a missed green, and every missed green felt like a bogey or worse. Saso hit fairways and greens both at a solid clip while also putting well, 27 total putts for the round.
Outside of the tough performances of superstars, the biggest story is the amateurs. Recent individual national champion Adela Cernousek is one back, while Catherine Park, Megan Schofill and 15-year-old Asterisk Talley are two off the lead.
Japanese players also seemingly have the course figured out, as eight of the top 22, including Saso, represent the Japan flag.
The biggest star (or villain) of the opening round was the par 3 12 hole, which Mel Reid had a terrific breakdown on today. Korda wasn’t the only victim here as just about half of the field hit the green in regulation, 52 golf balls found the water and 45 players had double bogey or worse.
The U.S. Women’s Open picks back up tomorrow on Peacock with featured group coverage bright and early.
