Lee, 29, was ‌tied for ‌40th ⁠after she posted a ​three-under-par 69 in Thursday's first round at the El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. She carded six birdies and three bogeys, including one on the 18th hole.

Lee ⁠has ‌won 11 ​tournaments on the LPGA ​Tour, including ‌three majors. Her most recent major ​title was the Women's PGA Championship last year ​in ​Frisco, Texas.

Lee ​began her 2026 ‌season with top-five finishes at the HSBC Women's World Championship and the Founders Cup ​before missing the cut at ​the ⁠Aramco Championship earlier this month.

Chizzy Iwai led going into the second day in Los Angeles by two shots after an opening-round 63.

She completed her first seven holes in seven under, capped by an eagle on the par-five 16th, before finishing at nine under for the day.

Hannah Green is the best-placed Australian, tied for 14th after a five-under-par round. Karis Davidson and Robyn Choi are one shot back in a tie for 26th

The tournament at El Caballero is the final event before the Chevron Championship, the major next week in Houston.