Green grabs two-shot LPGA Tour lead as rain tumbles

Like the rest of the elite 78-player field she will return to complete her round on Sunday morning.

But her four-birdie cameo on Saturday put her in command at 12-under, two strokes clear of South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai (two under through 10 holes).

There's a further two-shot gap back to the third first-round co-leader Jenny Shin, who's tied for third with Lydia Ko, Hye-Jin Choi and Nanna Koerstz Madsen. 

Seeking to follow her countrywoman Minjee Lee as the tournament's champion, Green is also aiming for a third LPGA Tour victory of 2024.

Fellow Aussie Grace Kim improved to be tied for seventh at seven under after picking up two shots in her 10 holes.

Lee (four under through 13 holes) was a further three shots back and tied 38th, while Gabriela Ruffels (two under through nine) was tied 51st and Hira Naveed (one under through 16) was tied 58th.  

The field is loaded with eight of the LPGA Tour's top 10 players. It also includes 17 of the 18 winners this season on the tour.