Annika Sorenstam grabbed the first-round lead at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, firing a 3-under 70 Thursday at San Diego Country Club.
The 54-year-old Swede, who won this championship in 2021 and claimed three U.S. Women’s Open titles (1995, ’96, and 2006) during her legendary career, looked comfortable on a course that challenged many competitors.
“I’m very pleased with the first round,” Sorenstam said. “I felt pretty solid from tee to green. I think I ended up with some good approach shots on the right side of the flag, which is very helpful on this course.”
Sorenstam’s opening round gives her a one-shot advantage over a trio of players at 2-under 71 — Moira Dunn-Bohls, amateur Lara Tennant, and 72-year-old Barb Moxness, who remarkably shot below her age.
Defending champion Trish Johnson opened with a 72, tied with Corina Kelepouris at 1-under.
Karrie Webb, making her tournament debut at age 50, posted a solid 73 despite admitting to first-round jitters.
“All the nerves and anxiousness were definitely there, and it’s sort of a course where I don’t know if you ever really feel comfortable,” Webb said.
Juli Inkster started with a bang, draining a 50-foot eagle putt on her opening hole (the par-5 10th), but couldn’t maintain that momentum. The LPGA Hall of Famer finished with a 75.
What makes this championship particularly interesting is the mix of competitors — from Sorenstam with her 72 LPGA Tour victories to Moxness defying her age. The weekend should reveal whether Sorenstam can maintain her form and capture a second Senior Women’s Open title.
