Kupcho Leads US Women's Open at Riviera After Round 1

A Course That Rewards Precision

There are golf courses that flatter, and there are golf courses that demand. Riviera Country Club has always belonged firmly in the latter category. Walking its fairways Thursday morning, watching Jennifer Kupcho methodically dismantle the opening round of the US Women's Open, I was reminded why this place holds such a revered spot in the American golf consciousness.

Kupcho's five-under 66 wasn't flashy. It was better than that—it was purposeful. Three consecutive birdies to open her round set the tone, and she never looked back, finishing with seven birdies against just two bogeys. The 29-year-old American leads South Korea's Kim Sei-Young by one stroke heading into Friday.

A Ball-Striker's Paradise

"It's kind of a ball-striker's paradise—just hit it down the fairway, hit it on the green and make the putts," Kupcho said afterward. She made it sound simple, but anyone who has played Riviera knows better. The kikuyu rough grabs at anything offline, and the greens—those famous, undulating Riviera greens—have broken more hearts than they've rewarded.

What struck me most was Kupcho's demeanor. This is a player who has missed the cut at this championship for three consecutive years. That kind of history creates weight, and she acknowledged as much, saying the round took "a little bit of a weight off my chest." Her only previous major victory came at the 2022 Chevron Championship, and since then, the big ones have been elusive.

The Chasers Are Lurking

At four-under, Kim Sei-Young represents experienced firepower just one shot back. Tied at three-under, a formidable group has assembled:

Gaby Lopez (Mexico)
Hinako Shibuno (Japan) — the 2019 Women's British Open champion
Inee Yoon (South Korea)
Hae-Jin Yoo (South Korea)
Min-Ji Kang (South Korea)

The international flavor is unmistakable, and it speaks to the global depth of women's professional golf right now.

Korda Struggles on Familiar Ground

Perhaps the day's most unexpected storyline involved world number one Nelly Korda, who just seven weeks ago claimed the year's first major at the Chevron Championship. Her two-over 73 left her searching for answers.

"I just felt like I was grinding to make safe pars," Korda admitted. "It wasn't a great day. I have honestly no idea where this came from."

She found company at that number with world number two Atthaya Thitikul and a remarkable quintet of English players: Charley Hull, Mimi Rhodes, Bronte Law, Lottie Woad, and Nellie Ong. The depth of British talent in women's golf continues to grow, even if opening day didn't go their way.

Riviera's Olympic Destiny

This championship carries additional significance. Riviera Country Club—home to the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational—will serve as the golf venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Watching these women navigate its challenges now offers a preview of what the world's best will face in two summers' time.

The course demands accuracy off the tee, creativity around the greens, and patience everywhere. Kupcho demonstrated all three on Thursday.

The Takeaway

Jennifer Kupcho's opening 66 was a statement of intent from a player who knows what it takes to win majors but has struggled to recapture that form. With 54 holes remaining at one of golf's most storied venues, she'll need to maintain both her ball-striking precision and the confidence she spoke of in her putter. The field behind her is deep, talented, and hungry. This championship is far from decided—but Kupcho has given herself exactly the start she needed.