Karrie Webb, Marina Alex share lead at suspended U.S. Women’s Open

Veteran Karrie Webb and second-year LPGA Tour player Marina Alex each shot a four-under-par 66 Thursday to share the first-round lead on a wet and windblown first day at the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster, Pa.

The 40-year-old Webb reeled off four birdies on her second nine holes, and Alex birdied three of her last five before the first round was suspended. An early-evening storm packing strong winds, lightning and heavy rain pounded Lancaster Country Club.

The stoppage came with 55 golfers still on the course. The USGA’s plan is to complete the first round early Friday and then start the second.

Amy Yang, who played in the morning, was in the clubhouse a shot behind the leaders. Two players on the course were also at three under. Top-ranked Inbee Park birdied two of her last three holes before play was stopped and was at two under through 14. Defending champion Michelle Wie shot a two-over 72.

John Deere Classic

Justin Thomas and Nicholas Thompson were tied for the lead at eight-under 63 after the opening round of the John Deere Classic at Silvis, Ill., while Jordan Spieth languished eight shots behind in his first tournament since winning the U.S. Open.

Thomas and Thompson were a shot ahead of Charles Howell III and Luke Guthrie at the TPC Deere Run in Illinois, with three-time tournament winner Steve Stricker leading a group at 65.

Spieth, who won this event in 2013, shot even-par 71, making three bogeys in a four-hole stretch, and missed a 15-foot birdie putt on No. 18.

Scottish Open

Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen shot a seven-under 63 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Scottish Open, with Jimmy Walker leading a trio of top Americans in the chasing pack at Gullane, Scotland.

Daniel Brooks of England, playing in the last group, birdied the final hole to take sole ownership of second place at 64 ahead of a group of seven players a stroke further back.

Walker was at 65, while Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar were in a large group at 66, along with two former champions — Graeme McDowell and last year’s winner, Justin Rose. Phil Mickelson, the 2013 winner at the Scottish Open, struggled with his putting in shooting a 69.