Alexa Pano shot a five-under 67 to share third place after the first round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota. Nelly Korda finished with a two-under 70 despite a double bogey on the 16th hole.
Pano, 21, moved into contention with an eagle on the 11th hole and three birdies on the back nine. She described the round as solid and noted the importance of keeping the ball in the fairway on a course with patchy rough.
Ina Yoon took the outright lead with a 63, one hour after Pano had briefly held the clubhouse lead. Pano enters Friday's second round tied for third and as the low American.
Korda birdied three of five holes before a double bogey on the 16th, where her tee shot found a creek. She called the result the product of one bad swing and said she remained pleased overall.
Both players will tee off again on Friday as the tournament continues at the LPGA major.
