Defending Champ Jutanugarn Leads U.S. Girls Junior; Neisen Tied for 20th

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DALY CITY, Calif. -- Ariya Jutanagarn, who won both the stroke-play and match-play portions of the U.S. Girls Junior Championship last year, appears to want to duplicate that dual feat this year.

The 16-year-old from Thailand posted a 1-under-par 71 on Monday at Lake Merced Golf Club, and was the only player under par. Canadia Brogan McKinnon is alone in second place, a stroke behind at 72.

Kathleen Gallagher, the 15-year-old daughter of PGA Tour-winner Jim Gallagher, is alone in third with a 73.

Casey Danielson, the three-time Wisconsin state high school champ from Osceola, shot a 76 in cold, windy conditions, and that was good enough to put her in a tie for 15th.

New Prague junior-to-be McKenzie Neisen, who already has two top-3 finishes at the Minnesota state high school tournament, is tied for 20th after a 77.

The top 64 players after Tuesday's second round will advance to match play, which begins on Wednesday. 

U.S. GOLF ASSOCIATION

U.S. Girls Junior Championship

At Lake Merced Golf Club

Par 72, 6,291 yards

Daly City, Calif. 

Stroke-Play Qualifying

First-round results 

1. Ariya Jutanugarn, Thailand                        71

2. Brogan McKinnon, Canada                        72

3. Kathleen Gallagher, Greenwood, Miss.   73

T15. Casey Danielson, Osceola, Wis.        76

T20. McKenzie Neisen, New Prague          77

T110. Kate Smith, Detroit Lakes                 84

T137. Gabrielle Curtis, Eau Claire              87