Queensland`s Sarah Jane Smith has shot a superb opening round of 5 under par round 67 to sit in a three-way tie for the lead after round one of the 2018 US Women`s Open at Shoal Creek in Alabama.

The 33-year-old, who was born in Geelong, grew up on the Sunshine Coast and now calls Orlando in Florida home kick-started her round today at the par 5 11th hole after a solid but unspectacular start, when she holed out from the fairway for an eagle, before making birdies at the 13th, 14th and 17th to card an impressive opening round five-under-par 67.

Smith shares the lead with Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn and Korean Jeongeun Lee6.

The normally consistent Smith had missed the cut in four of her last five starts heading into this week, and said that the key was getting a solid first round under her belt. 

\"The last few weeks have been pretty rough,\" she said. \"So it`s nice to get a good start to a tournament. That`s been the problem, digging myself a hole from the very beginning.\"

Of the other Australians in the field this week, Victorian Su Oh shot an impressive 2 under par to be tied for 7th place, while last week`s winner Minjee Lee is sitting at even par in a tie for 25th place. Katherine Kirk, is at +1 tied 44th, while Karrie Webb will be ruing a bad finish to her round and is at +3 tied for 74th place alongside Gold Coast amateur Robyn Choi. Sarah Kemp had a disappointing day shooting a 5 over par 77.

Scoring can be found at lpgascoring.com

Watch all the action live on Fox Sports Australia

Keep track of news and stories on our website alpg.com.au

Facebook page “Australian Ladies Professional Golf Official”

Twitter page @ALPGTour

Youtube channel “GameOnALPG”

Instagram “ALPGTour”