Lydia Ko’s hopes of a third major title could already be over after a poor showing on the opening day of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Lower Course in Springfield, New Jersey.
The world No 3 sits eight shots back from the leader in a share of 61st after posting a three-over 74 on the course that many of the field struggled.
Just 16 of the 156 players shot under par rounds. South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace leads the way at five-under. The 42-year-old has won just once before on the LPGA Tour, almost nine years ago, but has 11 victories on the European Tour.
2016 winner Brooke Henderson and Chinese duo Xiyu Lin and Ruoning Yin are a further shot back after carding four-under 67s. Yin earlier this year won the LA Open to claim her first title on the LPGA Tour, becoming just the second player from China to do so.
Rookie phenom Rose Zhang opened with a one-under 70 while more experienced golfers struggled.