Swiss star Chiara Tamburlini is off to a solid start at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally after opening with an even-par round of 71 at The Riviera Country Club.
The 2024 Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit winner recovered well after a shaky first few holes carding five birdies to sit T34 following the first day of action. Solheim Cup winner Jennifer Kupcho leads the way on five-under par in California.
“I was very proud with how I handled today mentally,” Tamburlini said. “I was two-over after three holes because of a couple of horrible tee shots. But I bounced back nicely making three birdies in the next three holes. I never let myself get out of it and kept fighting all day. Mentally, I did really well today. Especially with the wind picking up in the afternoon.
“I’m honestly really happy. Unfortunately I didn’t scramble too well which lead to a few bogeys. I definitely had a couple of putts which could have dropped. But I made five birdies so all in all I’m very happy.”
Tamburlini finished T14 in this event at Erin Hills last year where she embraced the setup of golf’s toughest test. The 26-year-old is expecting conditions to toughen up throughout the week at The Riviera Country Club.
The three-time LET winner said: “I feel like before the wind picked up there was definitely some chances out there on this course. I thought it was playing slightly shorter today which helps when you’re hitting fairways. The greens weren’t too firm today but I’m sure they will get firmer as the week goes on. It was difficult but not insanely tough. Still, I feel like even par is a good score around this track.”
This is Tamburlini’s ninth appearance at a Major championship and second at the U.S. Women’s Open. The Swiss star, now competing full time on the LPGA after earning her card at Q-Series in December, was watched on by her parents and coaches in California.
“I was very nervous on the first tee,” Tamburlini admitted. “I was nervous, I was excited. It’s a fun first tee shot but it’s also a bit of a weird one because you have a 20-yard drop [on the 1st]. It’s visually deceiving but honestly it’s just fun. You’re a little nervous and you have to contain those nerves. I did some good breathing and controlled by tempo as I do tend to get a bit quick when I’m nervous. Honestly I loved it out there.
“It’s my mum’s 60th birthday today so we’re going to go out and have a nice dinner so I’m very excited about that.”
Tamburlini gets underway for round two at The Riviera Country Club at 2:31pm local time.
