America's Kupcho, Campos share one-shot lead at Augusta National Women's Amateur opening

Americans Jennifer Kupcho and Zoe Campos each birdied their final holes to share a one-shot lead after the first round of the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur on Wednesday. Kupcho, who is the top women's college golfer in the United States, and Campos, who at 16 is one of the youngest players in the field this week, each carded four-under-par rounds of 68 at the Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Georgia.

South Africa's Kaleigh Telfer was one shot back of the co-leaders while Spain's Marta Perez, Mexico's Maria Fassi, Italy's Alessandra Fanali and Sweden's Maja Stark were a further shot off the pace after matching 70s. The first two days of the 54-hole event are being held in Evans before players get a day off for practice before teeing off in Saturday's closing round at Augusta National Golf Club ahead of next week's Masters.

Kupcho, 21, picked up her first stroke at the par-three eighth and then stormed home with birdies at three of her final five holes while Campos mixed six birdies with a pair of bogeys. "This round, I think this is the first time I've ever had no bogeys and hit 18 greens together," said Kupcho. "So probably the first perfect round I've played."

Campos, who got a late invitation into the tournament, came into the week with low expectations and has not altered them despite her impressive start. "I don't really expect myself to be up top. I really just focused on making the cut," said Campos. "It's not my, like, absolute goal to win this tournament. I just really want to get a good experience out of it."

The field of 72 players will be cut to 30 players after the second round, setting the stage for what will be the first women's tournament at Augusta National.