Young Golfer Aphrodite Deng Ties for Lead at U.S. Women’s Open After Fortunate Bounce

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Sixteen-year-old Aphrodite Deng made an impressive debut at the U.S. Women’s Open, briefly finding herself at the top of the leaderboard during her first round at Riviera Country Club. "I thought it was cool," Deng remarked, acknowledging her position, but added, "it's only the first day." The young talent had previously shared the lead at the CPKC Women's Open last summer, where she opened with a 65.

Deng earned her spot in this prestigious tournament after winning the 2025 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Her round on Thursday contained a moment of serendipity when her second shot on the par-4 12th hole bounced off a tree famously known as "Bogey's Tree," named after actor Humphrey Bogart. The ball ended up just 6 feet from the hole, allowing her to convert a birdie, one of four she achieved in her first ten holes.

John Wood, a seasoned caddie familiar with Riviera, praised Deng's composure, stating, "She's so calm." He noted that she approached the event as if it were just another tournament, not letting the pressure of playing in a major at such a young age affect her. Wood, who was mic'd up while caddying, highlighted how challenging it is for young players to maintain that focus.

However, Deng faced difficulties on her back nine, recording two bogeys and a double bogey. She managed to finish strong with a birdie on the par-4 ninth hole, ending her day with a score of 1-under 70, placing her in a tie for 14th, four strokes behind leader Jennifer Kupcho. Deng was part of a trio of amateurs who opened with a 70, joining reigning Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion Maria Jose Marin and SEC champion Paula Francisco Liano. Seventeen-year-old Asterisk Talley shot a 71.