The 25-year-old from Okinawa, playing in the tournament for the first time, showed no signs of stagefright on her way to a bogey-free total. "It's really, really hot here, so I try not to waste my energy," she said "So short practice and just staying calm and just get rest." Higa's fellow debutant Henseleit was similarly flawless in her maiden US Women's Open round, sinking five birdies and 13 pars en route to her bogey-free 66. Henseleit and Kim were one shot ahead of France's Celine Boutier, who was in fourth after a four-under-par 67. Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn meanwhile struggled to get to grips with the course, carding four bogeys and three birdies for a one-over-par 72.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 31, 2019 03:00 UTC