Full Breakdown
Jennifer Kupcho Takes Early Lead at 2024 U.S. Women’s Open
6/5/2026, 11:44:03 PM
Opening Round Highlights
On Thursday, June 4, 2024, Jennifer Kupcho opened with a five-under-par 66 at Riviera Country Club, earning a one-stroke lead over South Korea’s Sei Young Kim in the first round of the 81st U.S. Women’s Open. Her round featured seven birdies, two bogeys and a 133-yard approach that landed within a foot of the pin on the second hole.
Background & Context
Kupcho entered the tournament after missing the cut in each of her three prior U.S. Women’s Open appearances and with only one top-10 finish in 11 LPGA events this season. The major is the second women’s major of the year and the first at Riviera.
Riviera: Venue and Conditions
Riviera, a century-old Los Angeles course that hosts the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational and will serve as the golf venue for the 2028 Olympics, is known for tight fairways, fast greens and wind-affected play. Thursday’s round began under heavy cloud cover, cleared at lunch and saw increasing wind.
Contenders and Scores
Kupcho’s 66 (-5) placed her ahead of Kim’s 67 (-4). Five players – Gaby Lopez (Mexico), Hinako Shibuno (Japan), Yoo Hyun-jo, Kang Min-ji and Yoon Ina (South Korea) – shared third at 68 (-3). The field’s lone eagle came from Allisen Corpuz on 17. World No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled to 73 (+2) after a shoe change, while other two-under players included Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand) and Yin Ruoning (China).
Official Statements & Player Reactions
Kupcho said the course felt like a “ball-striker’s paradise” and that her ball-flight and putting were working, which eased the pressure after recent missed cuts. Kim noted the venue’s fame and that “every hole is putting me to the test.” Korda described her round as “not a great day,” blaming new shoes and off-tee struggles. Lopez and Shibuno expressed satisfaction with their positions despite the demanding setup.
Criticism & Course Difficulty
Players repeatedly emphasized Riviera’s difficulty, with Kim calling each hole a test and Korda admitting she was grinding for pars, underscoring the course’s tight fairways and variable wind.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just really, really like the golf course,” — Jennifer Kupcho, Player
- “It's kind of a ball-striker's paradise - just hit it down the fairway, hit it on the green and make the putts,” — Jennifer Kupcho, Player
- “The course is not easy. Like every hole is putting me to the test,” — Sei Young Kim, Player
- “It wasn't a great day. I have honestly no idea where this came from.” — Nelly Korda, World No. 1
What’s Next
The tournament will continue for three more days, with a cut after 36 holes. Kupcho indicated confidence in playing the weekend, while the field will seek to navigate Riviera’s challenges as the leaderboard reshapes.
