Yuka Saso Leads 2023 US Women’s Open in Philadelphia

Discover how Yuka Saso claimed the lead at the 2023 US Women’s Open in Philadelphia despite tough course conditions. Learn about standout players like Nelly Korda and the exciting twists in the tournament.

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Yuka Saso Leads US Women’s Open After Challenging First Round in Philadelphia

Japan’s Yuka Saso navigated the difficult conditions at Lancaster Country Club to card a two-under-par 68, taking a one-shot lead after the first round of the 2023 US Women’s Open.

Saso, who was one of only four players to beat par on Thursday, sits atop the leaderboard, followed by a trio of players – 15-year-old amateur Adela Cernousek, Wichanee Meechai, and Andrea Lee – all at one-under-par.

“The course was really challenging today, but I’m glad I was able to play well and take the lead,” said Saso after her round.

Meanwhile, world number one Nelly Korda’s bid to continue her recent dominant form took an early stumble. Korda, a favorite to claim her third major title, struggled from the start, opening with a bogey on the 10th hole and then carding a septuple-bogey 10 on the par-three 12th after finding the water three times.

Korda’s remarkable run this season, which includes a victory at the Chevron Championship, was brought to a halt as she ended the day at eight-over-par 78.

Other notable performances included England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who opened with a two-over-par 72, and Ireland’s Leona Maguire, who posted a 73.

The recently revised and lengthened Lancaster Country Club, which last hosted the US Open in 2015, proved to be a true test for the field, with only 10 players managing to card even-par rounds of 70.

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