Japanese golfer Rio Takeda hits a tee shot during the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open at the Erin Hills golf course in Erin, Wisconsin, on May 29, 2025. (Kyodo)
Japanese golfer Rio Takeda grabbed a share of the lead with a 4-under 68 in the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills on Thursday.
The 22-year-old carded six birdies against a pair of bogeys to finish the day in a six-way tie with Kim A Lim and Im Jin Hee of South Korea, Angel Yin and Yealimi Noh of the United States, and Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain.
Japan’s Chisato Iwai, Nasa Hataoka and Yui Kawamoto are in a group one stroke back in a tie for seventh, with last year’s runner-up Hinako Shibuno, Shiho Kuwaki and Chevron Championship winner Mao Saigo a further shot behind.
Takeda started her round on the 10th hole and made all six birdies in a nine-hole stretch from No. 14 through No. 4, making up for her bogeys at Nos. 17 and 2.
Japanese defending champion Yuka Saso, aiming for her third U.S. Open title in five years, got off to a slow start with a 2-over 74.
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