Amateur Shean in clubhouse lead at US Women’s Open

Amateur Shean in clubhouse lead at Oakmont

OAKMONT, Pa. — Somebody forgot to remind Kelli Shean she’s an amateur.

Shean, a University of Arkansas golfer playing in only her second major professional tournament, shot a 1-under 70 to take the clubhouse lead in the opening round of the U.S. Women’s Open.

On a steamy hot 94-degree day that found some of the sport’s biggest names shooting in the 80s or close to it, Shean threatened to get into the 60s on one of golf’s toughest courses until taking a bogey 6 on the par-5 No. 9, her finishing hole.

Christie Kerr, coming off her 12-shot victory at the LPGA Championship, was in contention at 1 over as her round neared completion. She led after 36 and 54 holes last year, only to lose to Eun-Hee Ji on the final day.