Karrie Webb grabs a share of the lead at the US Women's Open

Karrie Webb produced a string of birdies on the back nine to grab a share of the first round lead with Marina Alex at a storm-hit US Women's Open on Thursday.

Seven-time major champion Webb rolled back the years with a near-flawless opening round, starting with 10 straight pars before notching four birdies down the stretch to finish with a four-under 66 at Pennsylvania's Lancaster Country Club.

The 40-year-old Australian, a two-time winner of the event in 2000 and 2001, believes past experiences had taught her to keep her emotions in check and get off to a smooth start to the week.

"I still have my challenges at a US Open," Webb said. "You always want to do well at this event. And for me it's about controlling my emotions and not getting too high or too low, especially in the first couple of rounds.

"I did a really good job of that today. I played very well, I didn't miss a fairway. When you play like that, it's not easy but it's less stressful than I could have made it."

Webb finished her round several hours before klaxons sounded across the course shortly after 6pm local time as an electrical storm churned towards the region.

Play was suspended with 56 players, including world No 1 Inbee Park, still on the course, with the final group having seven holes to resume early Friday morning. 

Live US Women's Open Golf

Joining Webb at the top of the leaderboard was 24-year-old Marina Alex, who drained three birdies on her final five holes to also finish four under.

South Korea's Amy Yang was a shot back with a three-under 67, with Na Yeon Choi and Jane Park also one off the place with holes to play.  

Alex has endured a rollercoaster season on the LPGA circuit this year, at one stage missing five consecutive cuts before posting her first top 10 finish of the season a fortnight ago.

"Now that I've put some of these changes into play a little more often, I just feel more comfortable and I'm making freer swings and the results are showing from."

World No 2 Lydia Ko remains firmly in the hunt, with a even-par 70 leaving the New Zealander in a group four off the pace that includes veteran Laura Davies. 

Ladies European Tour star Charley Hull opened with a one-over 71, while it was a disappointing start for defending champion Michelle Wie, who shot a two-over 72 after struggling to get to grips with the demanding layout.

"You can't win the tournament on the first day, but you definitely can lose it," Wie told reporters. "I definitely feel like I'm in there. It's a tough golf course, so I think you have to try to make birdies when you can."

Watch the second round of the US Women's Open live from 7pm on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf