The French player got round the course in 67 shots, five-under par, and the 38-year-old is ahead of a pack of four players, although action was suspended as winds of 45 miles per hour swirled round the venue.

Among the chasing group is South Korea’s Seong Eun-jeong who arguably had the highlight of the opening day as the 17-year-old amateur scored a hole-in-one on the par three fifth hole.

Also just a shot behind Icher are Michelle Wie of the United States and two South Koreans, Sung Hyun Park and So Yeon Ryu.

Icher hit seven birdies on her way round the course and after her round, the world number 36 who been in the top 10 of events in the US 43 times without actually winning any tournaments there, said she is hoping to maintain her form over the next three days.

“I’m probably the player with the most top 10s without winning,” she said.

“I’m going to keep focussed and keep my game on and try to sink some putts, and we’ll see from there.”

Play is due to recommence at 7.30am local time with the remaining players completing their first rounds taking to the course.

World number on Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the reigning champion, is on two-under after six holes.

The Olympic champion from Rio 2016 Inbee Park is also among the players still complete their opening round as the South Korean lies on one-under through eight holes.

Action at the tournament, the first major event of the golf calendar, is scheduled to finish on Sunday (April 2).