Lydia Ko, the AIG Women’s Open champion, has moved within striking distance of the lead at the LPGA Tour’s Kroger Queen City Championship. Following her recent triumph at St Andrews, Ko recorded a remarkable bogey-free round of 66 at TPC River’s Bend, setting an impressive clubhouse target.
The world No. 3, who also secured Olympic gold for New Zealand earlier this summer, showcased her skill by eagling the par-five eighth and notching three birdies over her final six holes, bringing her total to 11 under par.
However, Ko’s lead was eclipsed by Jeeno Thitikul, who birdied three of her last four holes to finish with back-to-back rounds of 66, thus seizing a one-shot lead heading into the weekend. FM Championship winner Haeran Ryu trails closely in third place, just two strokes behind.
“I just wanted to make sure that I was giving myself lots of looks for birdies again today,” Ko commented, highlighting the importance of consistent scoring amid competitive performances.
Among other notable players, Anna Nordqvist and Albane Valenzuela, who recently competed in the Solheim Cup, are also within four shots of the lead, with rounds of 65 and 66 respectively. Meanwhile, the world No. 1 is one shot further back after a second-round 70.
Overnight leader Ashleigh Buhai slipped down the leaderboard after posting a one-over 73, while Ireland’s Leona Maguire is tied on six under after rounds of 67 and 71. Charley Hull, who excelled at the Solheim Cup, finds herself eight shots back after back-to-back rounds of 70.
Additionally, Rose Zhang, who had a stellar performance in the Solheim Cup, unfortunately missed the cut, finishing with a round of 71 after a late double bogey left her just one shot shy.
As the competition heats up, golf fans are eagerly anticipating who will emerge victorious at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Stay tuned for live coverage throughout the weekend.
