Australia’s Minjee Lee is in contention in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the season’s third major, after her first round.
But it could have been so much better for the 22-year-old Lee, her country’s top-ranked female player.
The Royal Fremantle product carded an opening 69, three-under par, at Kemper Lakes Golf Club to be in a tie for sixth, two shots from the lead.
But Lee dropped shots at her 16th and 18th holes having momentarily held the outright lead following a great front nine. She had reached five-under through 10 holes, having started on the back nine.
It was a disappointing finish but in context, the four-time winner on the LPGA Tour and world No. 9 looks on song again after a tied-third finish in Arkansas last week.
She is seeking her first major victory; Lee’s previous-best in a major was tied-third in the ANA Inspiration last year.
Veteran Karrie Webb also had a good day, reaching three under through 14 holes, but the remaining Australians are well off the pace.
The lead is shared by American Jaye Marie Green and Jessica Korda at 67.
Meanwhile Geoff Ogilvy and Marc Leishman began with 67s to lead the Australian charge at the PGA Tour's Quicken Loans Championship.