Four of the six Australians golfers competing at the 81st women's US Open are within sight of the leader after the opening round in Los Angeles.
Karis Davidson and Minjee Lee shot two-under-par 69s on Thursday (Friday AEST) at Riviera Country Club to be in a six-way tie for eighth.
Compatriots Hannah Green and Stephanie Kyriacou are a further stroke back, Grace Kim (72) is one over and Sarah Hammett (80) nine over.
Lee's bogey-free first round of the second women's major of the year was highlighted by birdies on the first and ninth holes.
The 156-player field are fighting for the $US12 million ($A17 million) in prize money and American Jennifer Kupcho leads the way, her five-under 66 earning a one-stroke lead over South Korea's Sei Young Kim.
