Ayako Uehara found momentum from par saves on her opening two holes and turned that into a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead Thursday in the AmazingCre Portland Classic.
Hannah Green had a 66 despite a bogey on her final hole at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, with Nelly Korda in the group another shot behind entering the second round in Portland, Ore.
Joining her at 67 were former Women's British Open champion Hinako Shibuno and Caroline Inglis. In a year in which the LPGA Tour already has had eight first-time winners, Uehara would be a surprise.
The 38-year-old from has been on tour for a decade, and her only three victories came on the Japan LPGA. Add that to Uehara missing so much of the year with a lung condition that made it difficult to breathe.