Lang tames tough Oakmont course and McKay is hard on her heels

American Brittany Lang shot a two-under-par 69 to lead the field at Oakmont. She was one of just five players under par at the famously-tough course, while McKay was on level par after a 71.

Lang's round featured five birdies and three birdies to give the 24-year-old the lead from South Korea's MJ Hur, Inbee Park and Amy Yang, as well as South African amateur Kelli Shean.

Lang credited her positive attitude with helping her tame Oakmont.

"Any golf course you can shoot a low number," Lang said. "If you just know where to hit it, if you're on your game hitting the ball well, you're going to hit fairways, you're going to hit greens, and you're going to make pars. One or two are going to go in.

"I got very lucky today that a lot of the long putts went in."

McKay, 35, had three birdies in her round, which tied her for sixth place with Japan's Sakura Yokomine.

McKay said: "I'm delighted to have finished the first round and be at even par. What a fantastic golf course Oakmont is. It's just a treat to be here and to play well is just a real bonus.

"I've got my husband (Dave) on the bag, so we're still happily married at this point in time," she joked.

"My baby (14-month-old) Angus was watching from the ladies' locker room in day care. Hopefully he saw me par the ninth."

Scottish amateur and Curtis Cup player Sally Watson was tied for 50th with England's Karen Stupples at four over following a 75.

Becky Morgan of Wales shot a six-over 77 and another Welsh golfer, Becky Brewerton, is at seven over with Scotland's Janice Moodie, while reigning Women's British Open champion Catriona Matthew, from North Berwick, shot a nine-over 80.