Webb & Alex atop Stormy U.S. Women's Open


Karrie Webb and Marina Alex each shot 4-under 67s to share the opening-round lead at the U.S. Women's Open. The championship started Thursday at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania.

Webb, winner of the 2000 U.S. Women's Open among her seven major titles, carded four birdies on the day, while Alex, a former Vanderbilt player and now an LPGA rookie, posted five birdies and a bogey.

"What's really pleasing is to play like this, because I know that I've worked really hard and the swing is starting to be a little more automatic," said the 40-year-old Webb. The Aussie's had just three top-10 finishes in 14 starts this year.

"I'm not a front-runner for this tournament, really," said the 24-year-old Alex, who played in the 2009 Open as an amateur. "So I'm just going to go out there and have fun tomorrow with my caddie and just keep doing the things that we've been doing and just see where that puts me."

Many of those in the 155-player field were waved off the course around 6:00 (EDT) due to lightning in the area. Once the players left the course, a heavy downpour drenched the layout, forcing a lengthier layoff and perhaps an early start Friday morning for the players who may not complete their first rounds.

South Korean Amy Yang shot a 67. Also at 3-under was American Jane Park, but she was called off the course after 15 holes. Shooting 2-under 68s were South Koreans Mi Hyang Lee and In Gee Chun, and Americans Morgan Pressel, Austin Ernst, Sydnee Michaels and Elizabeth Nagel.

Also at 2-under are the top-ranked Inbee Park and Chinese amateur Muni Hee. But both those players have holes to complete before their rounds are official.

Defending U.S. Women's Open champion Michelle Wie started with a 72. Paula Creamer, the winner of the 2010 U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont, was at even-par through 14 holes before the storm struck.

For updated scores, visit http://www.usga.org/championships/2015/u-s--women-s-open/scoring.html.