Australian Sarah Jane Smith is level with some of the biggest names in women’s golf in sixth place after the opening round of the LPGA’s Safeway Classic.

Smith opened with a five-under 67 to be in a large group that also included Hall of Famers Juli Inkster and Se Ri Pak, along with Michelle Wie, Yani Tseng and Ai Miyazato.

Fellow Australian Sarah Kemp was a shot further back on 68 after day one at the Columbia Edgewater course in Portland.

Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum had 10 birdies and two birdies in an opening round of 64 that put her a shot ahead of American Lexi Thompson in first place.

“My putting was so good,” said Pornanong.

“I changed putter for this week and I’m feeling very good.”

The 18-year-old Thompson eagled the par-5 seventh hole and had five birdies in her bogey-free morning round.

Christie Kerr, the winner in 2008 the last time the event was played at Columbia Edgewater, was at 66 along with Lizette Salas and Germany’s Sandra Gal.

Top-ranked Inbee Park withdrew on Tuesday because of illness.