U.S. Open, 6 p.m. update: beautiful course + tough conditions = high scores
I got a chance to watch the opening round of the Women’s U.S. Open at Newport C.C. in Rhode Island. First, I have to say the course is visually quite stunning, with a number of holes carved against the ocean and a clubhouse that looks like a palace. Today, the sailboats were in full force like an armada surrounding the bay. The weather’s supposed to be great tomorrow. (UPDATE: Newport CC has a lot of history. It was founded in 1894 by Thomas Havenger, the first USGA president. The course was the site of the first U.S. Amateur and the first U.S. Open. Tiger Woods won his 1995 U.S. Amateur here. More here.)
Unfortunately, the play this afternoon was pretty rough. Morgan Pressel, who got it to -2 for a share of the lead after 4 holes, started having some serious issues with her putter, including a three putt from 5 feet away. Morgan’s now at +4. Natalie Gulbis — who looks like she’s been working out at the gym — got off to a good start at -1, but now also is at +4. Cristie Kerr has a triple and double bogey on her scorecard, but 4 birdies as well. Annika is having a steady round, and is curently tied for the lead at -2.
-2 leaders
Jan Park (a)
Se Ri Pak
Pat Hurst
Becky Morgan
Annika Sorenstam (16)
-1
Amanda Blumenherst (a)
Michelle Wie
Sung Ah Yim
Gloria Park
Sophie Gustafson (16)
Kristina Tucker (11)
Notables
Paula Creamer E
Lorena Ochoa E (17)
Cristie Kerr +1 (17)
Karrie Webb +3 (17)
