Higa of Japan shoots 65, lowest round in U.S. Women's Open debut
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Japan's Mamiko Higa shot a bogey-free 65 for the lowest round ever in a U.S. Women's Open debut, taking an early lead at the event.
Higa had three straight birdies on the front nine for a one-shot lead halfway through the opening round at the Country Club of Charleston. Her sixth and final birdie came at the par-3 17th.
Esther Henseleit of Germany had a 66 and Celine Boutier of France was next at 67. Sei Young Kim of South Korea finished at 68.
The 25-year-old Higa tied for the third-lowest round in U.S. Women's Open history. Helen Alfredsson holds the record with a 63 in her opening round in 1994.
The other half of the field teed off in a steamy afternoon where temperatures rose to the mid-90s.
---
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports
HEADLINES
- Korda 2 shots back at Chevron Championship after 1st-round 68
- Lilia Vu withdraws from Chevron Championship with back injury
- Korda looks to tie LPGA record with 5th straight win at Chevron
- Golfers paying closer attention how to protect themselves from sun
- Nelly Korda wins T-Mobile Match Play for 4th straight LPGA victory