Neumann sets pace
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Swede led after the first round of the US Women's Open, but it was not the defending champion, Annika Sorenstam, as Liselotte Neumann took charge on the Pumpkin Ridge course in Cornelius, Oregon.
Sorenstam, the pre-championship favourite, was upstaged by her compatriot, who compiled four birdies in a flawless four-under-par 67 in cool afternoon conditions following intermittent rain earlier in the day.
Neumann, the 1988 Open champion, was the only player in the 150-woman field not to make a bogey or worse as she matched her lowest round in a US Open.
She led by one stroke over the Americans Susie Redman, Kelly Robbins and Deb Richard, and the 19-year-old South Korean, Se Ri Pak.
Redman was helped by the first hole-in-one of her career, which came at the 15th, where her six-iron bounced three times and jumped into the cup.
Sorenstam found no such joy in her round as she shot a six-over 77 in a dreadful start to her quest to win the event for an unprecedented three consecutive years.
Laura Davies, who win in 1987, opened a gash in her left index finger while slicing some bread before the first round and she shot a 75 to stand eight strokes off the pace.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments