Irish amateur Aine Donegan is one shot off the lead after her first round at a major - despite her clubs arriving late and her driver being broken.
She also started the US Women's Open with two bogeys yet recovered to shoot a three-under 69 at Pebble Beach.
Leona Maguire, who led last month's Women's PGA Championship after round three, also shot a 69 to trail China's Xiyu Lin and South Korea's Hyo Joo Kim.
"The whole thing has been a bit surreal," said Donegan, 21.
"Nearly every five minutes it's like a pinch-me moment.
"On Tuesday I played 18 holes with Annika [Sorenstam] and, honestly, it was one of the best days of my life.
"Even just walking to the putting green, young girls are asking for my autograph, and it's like, that was me."