Australians start well at US Women’s Open
Karis Davidson – en route to an impressive first US Women’s Open round of 69 – image Kathryn Riley USGA
Australians have started well at the 2026 US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Minjee Lee and US Open debutante, Karis Davidson, completing their early rounds on day one at 2 under 69, while Hannah Green and Stephanie Kyriacou, also playing in the morning field, finished with rounds of 1 under 70.
At the completion of the morning play, Lee and Davidson were well inside the top ten and trailed the then-leader, Sei Young Kim, by two shots.
All four players were on the course by 7.40 am, Davidson, who was the last player into the tournament on Monday, taking advantage of her tee off before 7.00 am to play her opening nine in 2 under and although she would three-putt for bogey at the 17th, she was delighted with her start in her first US Women’s Open.
“Yeah, I’m really chuffed,” said the Scottish-born but now Queenslander. “Yeah, played solid. Holed some good putts. Also missed a couple silly ones. My concentration was not the best. On the back nine, I would say I lost a bit of energy.
Davidson only learned of her inclusion in the field after the victory by Celine Boutier in last week’s LPGA Tour event. Boutier, who was already exempt into the US Open, did not, therefore, require the one spot left open for the winner of that event, and so Davidson, who was an alternate via Final Qualifying, claimed the spot.
“Well, I just kind of came over from Australia with the mindset of you know what, even if I don’t get in, I’ll stay with the other Aussie girls and watch a bit of golf at Riv and hopefully get a practice round around the place.
“Obviously, I was really happy when I got the call, yeah.”
Minjee Lee – in action during her opening round – image Logan Whitton USGA
Lee, the 2022 champion, was out two groups after Davidson but started her round at the 10th. Making the turn at even par, Lee added birdies at the 10th and 9th holes for her round of 69.
Lee is playing her first event after a five-week break in Australia and made an encouraging start.
“I did not have too many expectations. I didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on myself, especially having five weeks off.
“Yeah, just wanted to have a nice day. It was really great weather. Nice walk out there.
“I always like coming back and competing in the U.S. Open. It’s always a great feeling, and as a past champion, I hold great pride coming back.”
Green, who has been in such great form in 2026, played in the group behind Lee and made it to the turn in 1 under before a homeward nine of even par for her round of 70 to leave herself well enough placed.
Kyriacou’s round was a roller coaster, recording five birdies and four bogeys in her round of 70, but after missing the cut in her first two US Women’s Opens, she has made a solid start this week.
Grace Kim opened with a round of 1 over 72, while Gold Coast amateur Sarah Hammett, who did remarkably well to just make the field via qualifying, struggled to a round of 80 after being out in the first group of the day.
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko was out in one of the afternoon groups and through 4 holes was at even par.
