Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn, South Korea's Jeongeun Lee and Australia's Sarah Jane Smith all carded five-under-par rounds of 67 at the Alabama course.

Three players, including United States' 2014 champion Michelle Wie, are the nearest challengers to the lead group on three-under.

Preparations for the tournament had been impacted by Subtropical Storm Alberto which led to soggy conditions at the venue.

It led to practice being cancelled on Tuesday (May 29) with players also delayed in heading out to the course yesterday.

More than four-and-a-half inches of rain have absorbed into the course in all.

"I walked them all," said Smith, who was only able to practice on eight holes.

"I got to chip and putt on every green. 

"I think it kind of worked out better."

Jutanugarn is in good form after winning the Kingsmill Championship on May 20 and is ranked number five in the world.

She won the British Open in 2016 and is hunting a second major.

"I feel like my game's been improving every week because I work so hard with my short game," the Thai said.

Competition continues tomorrow.