World number two Ariya Jutanugarn, of Thailand, made a smooth start with a 67, while Germany's defending champion Caroline Masson carded 70.
Co-leader Pettersen was delighted with her score, especially after a less-than-ideal preparation.
“I lost my yardage book before getting here,” she told reporters. “I had to get all my new notes, which is kind of a big deal because I have a lot of good notes from the past. Had to start from scratch.
“We woke up this morning to perfect conditions. You can fire at pins and get to par-fives, which is fun.
“Solid eight-under so no complaints. On a course like this you should score low but it’s got to match your game. You’ve got to make putts."
Lee, meanwhile, made a fast start with an eagle at the par-five third on her way to a tie for the lead.
“I played good at the par-fives, that's why I can hit the eight-under today,” said the winner of one LPGA event, who is currently ranked 61st in the world.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
Share
