July 8, 2010

OAKMONT, Pa. – Nicole Zhang, an incoming freshman for the Irish women’s golf team, sits at +7 after carding an opening-round score of 78 at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open from Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa.

The Calgary, Alberta native started play on the back nine in her opening round, posting four pars and five bogeys to make the turn with a 40 (+5). She would recover on the front nine with more consistent golf, notching three pars and scoring her first birdie of the tournament at the par 4, fifth hole. She would conclude her opening 18 with a birdie on the par 5, ninth to finish the front side in 38 (+2).

Zhang was able to take advantage off of the tee in her opening round, tying for 19th among the field in driving distance (262.50) while sharing a place at 33rd in fairways hit (9/14, 64%) on day one.

Zhang will begin her second round of play at 8:28 (ET) on the first hole looking to qualify for weekend action. The field will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties, plus anyone within 10 strokes of the leader.

Be sure to check back with und.com for a complete recap of Zhang’s second round from the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

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