Former champion Minjee Lee will likely sleep easier - and heavier - after showcasing her class once more to escape the carnage on a dramatic opening day at the $18 million Women's US Open in Pennsylvania.
World No.1 Nelly Korda was among the big names to endure a first-round horror show as Lee led a faltering Australian challenge with a steely even-par 70 at the beautiful but beastly Lancaster Country Club outside Philadelphia.
Lee shook off two sloppy three-putts and a painful long-range lip-out on the back nine to be tied for fifth, just two shots off the pace in pursuit of a third major championship in three years - and a $US2 million ($A3 million) pay day at the richest event in women's golf history.
