Ko endures horror first round at US Open

Lydia Ko's endured a horror opening round at the US Golf Open at Pebble Beach, in California.

New Zealand's world number three had a quadruple bogey on the par three fifth hole and two further bogeys to finish 4-over 76, nine shots off the lead.

She wasn't alone however in struggling.

World No. 1 Jin Young Ko of South Korea finished with a 7-over 79 and World No. 2 Nelly Korda was at 4-over 76 alongside Ko.

Xiyu "Janet" Lin of China and Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea are tied at the top of the leaderboard at 4-under 68.

Lin, the World No. 9, is the highest-ranked player without a win on the LPGA Tour.

Her counterpart, Kim, is ranked No. 8 in the world and won her first and only major title at the 2014 Evian Championship.

The third major of the women's golf season is offering up a record $US11 million purse, with $US2 million to the winner.

Michelle Wie West, in the final event of her playing career, opened with a 79.

-RNZ/Reuters