FP – Hall of Famer Karrie Webb led a mediocre Australian challenge on the first day of the $US2.5 million LPGA Championship as Tiger Woods’ niece provided novelty interest in her pro debut.

Webb, the 2001 winner, carded a two-over-par 74 on the Locust Hills course to be five strokes behind the joint leaders, Spain’s Beatriz Recari, American Ryann O’Toole and Italy’s Giulia Sergas.

One shot behind the co-leaders were Japan’s Ai Miyazato and Mika Miyazato, Americans Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer and South Koreans Se Ri Pak, Na Yeon Choi and Jeong Jang.

Seven-times major champion Webb was tied 39th, while countrywomen Wendy Doolan, Katherine Hull and Sarah-Jane Smith were a shot further back.

Defending champion Tseng of Taiwan, a five-time major champion at age 23 and winner in three of the first five LPGA tournaments of the season, matched her worst round of the year, a 76, to put herself in danger of missing the cut.

“I just couldn’t hit a shot, couldn’t hit on the green, couldn’t hit on the fairway,” Tseng said.

“It was really tough for me out there. I was very disappointed. I love the golf course and I know I can have a low score here.

“I know it’s my mental problem,” Tseng said. “I’m hitting so well on the driving range, and when I get on the first tee there’s something wrong. I need to get my mental set-up like before at the beginning of this year.”

Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Woods, shot 75.

Playing on a sponsor’s exemption, Woods qualified for the US Women’s Open last week and was excited about launching her pro career although she, too, was struggling to reach the weekend.

“I’ve been waiting, waiting for this moment,” Woods said. “I was a little nervous starting off, but it felt good to be out there and finally playing. I’m pretty happy with how I played. I had a few blips.”