Japan's Mamiko Higa leads the US Women's Open by one stroke ©Getty Images

Japan's Mamiko Higa shot the lowest debut score by a player in the history of the US Women's Open to take a one-stroke lead going into the second day of the tournament in Charleston.

The 25-year-old, a two-time Japanese amateur champion who turned professional in 2012, carded a six-under 65 at Country Club of Charleston.

Her best finish in a major was a tie for fourth at last year’s British Women’s Open.

“My putting speed matched my putting style, that was really the key,” she said.

“I haven’t been playing good the past two weeks, so I didn’t expect much.”

Just behind Higa is Gina Kim of the United States and Germany's Esther Henseleit, who both shot 66.

A further two strokes back is France's Celine Boutier. 

Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand is on one over, as is world number one Ko Jin-young of South Korea. 

The competition continues tomorrow.