Pat Hurst shares lead at Women's Open

EDINA, Minn., June 26 (UPI) -- Veteran Pat Hurst birdied her final hole Thursday to shoot a 6-under 67 and share the first-round lead at the U.S. Women's Open in Edina, Minn.

Hurst, 39, was tied with Ji-Young Oh for the top spot on a day of low scoring at the Interlachen Country Club.

Song-Hee Kim was alone in third at 68 while amateur Maria Jose Uribe, Louise Friberg and Ji-Yai Shin were all at 69. Paula Creamer was among those at 70.

"In any tournament, if you get off to a good start it's always good," said Hurst, who lost in a playoff to Annika Sorenstam in this tournament two years ago. "You build confidence. It's a long week, but if you can get off to a good start, it's always a bonus."

Hurst had six birdies and an eagle on the par-73 course, but suffered bogeys on both the 13th and 14th holes.

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa settled for an even-par 73, leaving her in a tie for 33rd place. Sorenstam, who has said she would retire from competitive golf at the end of this year, had a 75.

Michelle Wie played the par-4 ninth hole in nine shots en route to an 8-over 81.