American Jennifer Johnson fired an incredible 9-under-par 62 to sit atop of the leaderboard after the opening round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer.

Johnson got off to a great start, with a birdie at her opening hole, she then posted another three birdies and one bogey to go out in three-under par, 34. The back nine was a birdie blitz, she birdied the 10th thru to 14th holes, before another on the 16th and the par 5 18th to come home in an impressive 28 at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Bay course, Galloway, New Jersey.

The one time winner on the LPGA holds a slender one shot lead over Japan’s Haru Nomura, with American Christina Kim a further shot back in outright third. Rolex World No. 1 Inbee Park and Na Yeon Choi sit at 5-under-par and right in the mix. Australian Sarah Kemp is continuing her consistent form this year, with a four-under-par 67 to be tied for sixth.

It was a very good opening round for half of the Australian contingent, Lindsey Wright and Stacey Keating signed for three-under-par, 68 to be tied for 15th, whilst defending champion Karrie Webb is a further shot back and shares 27th position.

Of the remaining Australians in the field, Katherine Kirk finished at two-over-par and is tied for 96th, while Julia Boland is at four-over and tied for 120th. The final Australian in the field this week is Sarah Jane Smith, who is back in a tie for 131st after a 77.

This week is a 54 hole tournament, so the cut will be made after tomorrow’s second round. The top 70 players and ties will be make it through and play for their share of the $1.5m on offer.