Edina, Minn. ? Kansas University junior-to-be Emily Powers opened the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship on Thursday with an 8-over 81.

Powers struggled on the front nine of the Interlachen Country Club course, shooting 8 over with two double-bogeys. She opened the round with double bogeys on the first and third holes and bogeyed four more holes on the front nine.

Powers recovered well on the back nine with a 1-under 37. Powers righted herself with four straight pars to open the back nine. She then recorded a birdie on the 185-yard par-three 14th hole.

After consecutive bogeys on 15 and 16, Powers parred 17 before closing her round with a birdie on the 530-yard, par-5 18th hole.

Powers is tied with Michelle Wie toward the back of the pack.

Powers will begin her second round at 2:31 p.m. today.

She is grouped with professionals Hee Young Park and Janell Howland. Park shot a 3-over par 76, while Howland carded a 5-over 78 on the first day.

ESPN is broadcasting the first two rounds of the championship, including today’s action from 2 to 6 p.m. NBC will carry the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Real-time scoring is available through the tournament’s Web site at uswomensopen.com.

Lawrence resident and Missouri graduate Kristen Samp finished the first day at 6-over par and shot 79.