July 5, 2012

KOHLER, Wis. — Recent South Carolina graduate Katie Burnett had a stellar debut in her first-ever LPGA major championship on Thursday as she posted an even-par 72 in the opening round of the U.S. Women’s Open at the Blackwolf Run Championship Course.

Burnett finished the day in a tie for 15th place and is just three shots out of the lead. She played steady golf throughout the day, recording two birdies, two bogeys and 14 pars. Former Gamecock All-American Kristy McPherson is tied for 55th after shooting a 3-over 75.

A native of Brunswick, Ga., Burnett closed out her Gamecock career in May as the program’s career scoring leader with an average of 74.18. She earned second team All-America honors from both Golfweek and the National Golf Coaches Association for her efforts this season.

Second-round play begins on Friday at 8 a.m. ET. Live scoring is available at USGA.org. ESPN2 will provide coverage of the second round from 4-8 p.m., while the final two rounds will be broadcast from 3-6 p.m. on NBC.