In Galloway, New Jersey, Ilhee Lee emerged as the frontrunner in the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Saturday, finishing the day with a score of 3-under 68. Due to afternoon rain, play was delayed, but that didn’t deter Lee, who now leads by one stroke heading into the final round against four other competitors.
After tying with Elizabeth Szokol in the first round with a score of 63, Lee overcame a setback on the par-4 eighth hole, where she recorded a double bogey, by securing a birdie on the par-5 ninth. The 36-year-old golfer from South Korea boasts an impressive 11-under 131 total score at Seaview’s Bay Course. Reflecting on her performance, Lee expressed, “Today was totally different—a completely different day—and I expected that, so I approached it without any expectations. Like yesterday, I was out there playing for fun and managed to make some birdies on the first nine.” Lee is striving for her second career win on the tour since her 2013 victory at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Elizabeth Szokol posted a score of 69, sharing second place in the 54-hole tournament with fellow countrywoman Jennifer Kupcho, who shot 64, as well as Japanese players Mao Saigo, who carded a 65, and Ayaka Furue, who finished with a 66. Szokol commented on her game, saying, “Just trying to stay patient all day. Things didn’t quite go as smoothly as they did yesterday, but I’m still playing really good golf.” Meanwhile, Kupcho highlighted her late birdies on the last two holes and added, “I think there’s room for improvement tomorrow. I wasn’t hitting the ball very well off the tee, but it’s manageable either from the rough or fairway bunkers. The key was giving myself scoring opportunities.”
In other notes, second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul delivered her second successive round of 68, bringing her to 6 under par. World Number 1, Nelly Korda, improved her standing to 5 under after a consistent performance with a round of 66. Korda shared her satisfaction, “Very happy with how I played today, the past two days. It’s a tricky golf course that keeps you on your toes all the time.”
On a less positive note, Maja Stark, who clinched the U.S. Women’s Open title last week at Erin Hills, missed the cut after rounds of 70 and 75. Current defending champion Linnea Strom also made an early exit, with rounds of 72 and 75.