Frye, set to be a senior at the University of Kentucky, fired a bogey-free 61 on the par-70 Seaside Course at the Sea Island Golf Club and will hold a 4-shot lead going into Wednesday’s-second round in the 54–hole championship.
Frye’s round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 15th hole, which moved her to 9-under-par for the day. She also had seven birdies in her first 14 holes.
It’s not surprising to see the two-time All-American for the Wildcats in contention at Sea Island. Frye was the runner-up in this tournament each of the last two years.
Last July, Frye shot even-par 210 over the three rounds and finished two shots back of tourney winner Kayla Holden. On Tuesday, Holden, who is heading into her final season at Tennessee, shot 3-over 73 and is tied for 43rd.
In the opening round, only 18 players from the field of 84 shot even-par or better. There were 13 players who turned in a score under par.
The closest player to Frye after the first 18 holes was Ami Gianchandani, who carded a 5-under65 with six birdies and a bogey.
She played the last three years for Yale and was named the Ivy League Player of the Year twice in three seasons. She is set to play for Auburn this coming season as a graduate transfer.