Karrie Webb is at a loss to explain her shocking seven-over-par 78 opening round at the US Women's Open.

"There's nothing positive," Webb said after failing to record a single birdie at demanding Pumpkin Ridge.

"I didn't do one thing good. Everything was fairly poor. I don't have any answers."

On a day when Australian Open champion Mhairi McKay tamed the tough conditions to take a three-shot lead at five-under 66 and Annika Sorenstam carded 72, Webb's inexplicable performance was almost a carbon copy of last year's opening 79, her worst US Open round ever.

She sounded quite upbeat about her game pre-championship, but then again she did last year too before flaming out in spectacular style.

Webb didn't play quite as poorly as her score indicated.

She hit a healthy 13 greens in regulation, but was punished for her mistakes. She also had a dismal 37 putts to end the day equal 102nd.

It was better news for fellow Queenslander Rachel Teske, who shot even-par 71 to head the eight-woman Australian contingent.

"I can't complain about even par but I didn't concentrate very well," said Teske, sounding extremely tired after a round that stretched well over five hours.

"I hit some good shots. There are birdie opportunities out there but if you hit a bad shot you get penalised."

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