Patience pays off. Brittany Lang of the USA kept her head and took the lead by 2 under for a first round score of 69 at the Oakmont Country Club, scene of the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. In spite of a scorching sun and high humidity, Lang managed to sink her putts including a 40-footer on the 15th hole to win the round against a field of top players from around the world. Everyone was predicting the scores were end up par +. Brittany Lang proved the talking heads wrong.

“You said it couldn’t be done, but on any golf course you can shoot a low number,” Lang said. “If you’re hitting the ball good, you can for sure shoot a low score out here. But if you’re not on your game you can shoot a big one.”

In second place after the first day of play were Sakura Yokomine of Japan and Mhairi McKay of Scotland. They were part of the first threesome who teed off at seven in the morning, ending the day at even-par 71.

Christie Kerr, the #1-ranked golfer came in at 1-over. Her score was matched by 14 other players. Although not leading, Kerr was satisfied with her round. “I think that’s a good start for me.”

The tournament continues today. Click here for real time scoring.