Erin, Wisconsin – Mao Saigo has already won her first major title this year. She places herself for another person in the openness of a woman in the US.
Saigo shot a 6-under 66 on Friday, taking the second round lead at Erin Hills. At 8 under 136, the 23-year-old Japanese player had a three-stroke advantage over the six-man group led by top-ranked Nelly Corda.
If Saigo keeps this pace, she will finish at 16 to match her score that won the US Open with Erin Hills in 2017. Koepka matched the US open record.
Saigo was asked if the 16 under was within reach.
“It’s very difficult to compare,” she said through interpreter. “All I can say is I do my best and I want to get good results as a result.”
Saigo won the Chevron Championship with her first LPGA Tour title outside Houston over a month ago.
There were 67 Korda, who never finished eighth in the US Women’s Open. This is the best round she had at the event.
“It feels like we’re building a very complicated relationship with us,” Korda said.
She was under five years of age, including Hinako Shibuno (69), Sarah Schmerzell (68), Maja Stark (69), Yalimi Noh (71), and 2020 US Women’s Open Championship A Lim Kim (71). Jing Yan (69), Lin Grant (69), Chiara Tamburlini (71), and Jinhee IM (72) were under the age of 4.
After not making birdies until hole 18 on Thursday, Corda had seven of them on Friday thanks to improved putting.
“To be honest, I was hitting a really good putt yesterday,” Korda said. “I was banging it exactly where I wanted it, and they just didn’t fall. It was one of those times. Today I did the same thing.”
Kim was one of the 18 competitors on the course when weather concerns stopped playing for about 54 minutes. Kim was alone in second place at 6 under, and played in 17th place, where there was a delay.
The 29-year-old from South Korea said he was waiting for a delay in his car. Kim then returned to make a par on No. 17, bogeying par 5 18th place and returned to the tie.
Kim said she still likes where she stands midway through the tournament.
“A real good position,” Kim said. “I love chasing after leaders, so let’s take a look.”
Saigo confirmed that everyone would chase after her as she bounced back from her early misfortune.
After starting with No. 10 and winning birdies on No. 11 and No. 12, Saigo Bogey scored par 5 No. 14 when she got a bad break. Her third shot hit the flagstick, bouncing backwards and rolling all the way to the bunker.
But she’s Nos. He recovered by getting four birdies on a five-hole stretch from 16-2.
“I thought that wasn’t my fault,” Saigo said. “I thought it was just unlucky and I just changed my mind.”
Play was suspended due to the darkness on Friday night and 12 players were unable to finish.
