Brittany Lang leads the way after opening round at Yokohama

Brittany Lang finished two shots clear of the field after the opening day of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic as she carded a seven-under-par 65.

The American picked up birdies on five of her first seven holes and was seven-under par through 12 holes until bogeys at 13 and 14 delayed her progress.

Birdies at the 16th and 17th got her back on track though, to leave her setting the pace in Alabama.

Lang's efforts helped support Juli Inkster's decision to use one of her two captain's picks to ensure the 30-year-old will be part of the United States Solheim Cup team.

Tiffany Joh, Sydnee Michaels and Ryann O'Toole are in a group on five under, with Hyo Joo Kim, Ariya Jutanugarn, Therese Koelbaek, Julieta Granada, and Simin Feng tied for fifth after four-under-par 68s.

Lexi Thompson, the 2011 champion, is a shot further back with a share of 10th, world No 3 Stacy Lewis is five shots back after a two-under-par 70, while defending champion MJ Hur struggled as she carded a 2-over par 74.

"It was just one of those days, it was so enjoyable," Lang told the official LPGA website.

"I played pretty flawless golf. Even when I was making pars, I was burning the edge from 10 feet. Every hole I was right there.

"The birdies on 16 and 17 were pretty big after the bogeys on 13 and 14. I stayed aggressive so I was excited with that.

"I had one of my better years I've ever had, the Solheim pick is over with. I'm just in a really comfortable place, so I just felt really relaxed out there."