Teenage amateur Ganne in joint lead with Reid at U.S. Women's Open

Amateur Megha Ganne enjoyed a remarkable first round to hold a share of the lead alongside Mel Reid at the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday.

Ganne carded a four-under-par 67, including six birdies, as the 17-year-old earn a share of the lead at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

With her performance, Ganne became the first amateur to lead the U.S. Women's Open since Jane Park in 2006.

"I think the first time is nerve-racking for anybody and meeting your idols and being on the stage for the first time," Ganne said after her second U.S. Women's Open appearance. "But the second time around, even the practice rounds, I wasn't as nervous. I felt like I could come here and just play my game instead of soaking that all in."

Experienced 33-year-old Englishwoman Reid – who won October's LPGA Classic – had a steady round with five birdies and one bogey.

World number five Brooke Henderson was one of the last to finish her round, holding a share of the lead until a bogey on the 18th to card a three-under 68.

Megan Khang, who finished in fifth at this event last year, is equal second with Henderson and fellow American Angel Yin.

World number one Ko Jin-young is not far off the pace after an opening round one-under, with second-ranked Inbee Park finishing even through 18 holes.

High-schooler and @LPGAGirlsGolf alumna Megha Ganne with a spectacular tee shot at @TheOlympicClub's par-3 8th. #USWomensOpen pic.twitter.com/D5jY303Of3
— U.S. Women's Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) June 3, 2021