UPDATE: In a stunning turn at the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, Minjee Lee has surged into contention for her 12th LPGA Tour title. The world No. 3 carded a remarkable second-round score of six-under-par 66, catapulting her from a tie for 21st to a tie for sixth place.
Lee’s performance was characterized by exceptional ball-striking, as she hit 12 of 14 fairways and 17 of 18 greens at the stunning Pine Beach Golf Links. This strong showing is vital for Lee, who aims to close the gap on Jeeno Thitikul, the season points leader currently sitting out this tournament.
As the competition heats up, home favorite Sei Young Kim remains the player to beat. After an impressive first-round 62, Kim followed up with a solid 66, bringing her total to 16 under and maintaining a slim lead. Despite a shaky start, Kim recovered with a hat-trick of birdies before the turn and added five more on the back nine.
The stakes are high in this $2.3 million no-cut event, with Brookes Matthews making headlines for her blemish-free 64, the lowest round of the day. Matthews will join Kim and Japan’s Rio Takeda, who stands outright third at 13 under, in Saturday’s final group.
The leaderboard is tightly contested, with Nasa Hataoka and Hyo Joo Kim tied for fourth at 12 under. Meanwhile, Lee shares fifth place at 10 under with several competitors, including Celine Boutier and Miyu Yamashita.
Defending champion Hannah Green is currently tied for 22nd at seven under, trailing by nine strokes after a 69.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Lee’s bid to reclaim her place at the top and Kim’s pursuit of a long-awaited LPGA victory. With only a few rounds left, this championship is shaping up to be a thrilling finish. Stay tuned for further updates as the action unfolds!
