Lindblad and Buhai Share Lead at JM Eagle LA Championship
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rookie Ingrid Lindblad and Ashleigh Buhai surged to the top of the leaderboard at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Friday,both carding remarkable scores to finish at 13-under 131. Lindblad, making onyl her fourth LPGA Tour start, shot a career-best 9-under 63 at El Caballero Country Club, while buhai followed her opening 63 with a 68.
Lindblad shines with Career-Best Round
Lindblad, the 25-year-old former LSU standout from Sweden, attributed her success to diligent practice. “I feel like if you put the work in, like eventually it’s going to show up,” Lindblad said. On Friday, that work translated into 10 birdies and a single bogey through 14 holes, showcasing accurate green reading and precise speed control.
Buhai Maintains Strong Position
Buhai, a 35-year-old South African seeking her third LPGA Tour victory, including the 2022 Women’s British Open, remained consistent after her initial strong showing. Despite parring the final five holes, she secured a share of the lead heading into the weekend.
minjee Lee in close Pursuit
Minjee Lee, the 2019 tournament champion when it was held at Wilshire Country Club, is lurking one stroke behind the leaders at 12-under. Lee’s Friday round of 65 highlighted her strategic tee shots and accurate iron play, essential for navigating the greens at El Caballero, which is hosting the event due to renovations at Wilshire.
Korda and Thitikul Among Top Contenders
World No. 1 Nelly Korda, at 9-under, is also in contention despite a mid-round stumble. Korda, preparing to defend her title at next week’s Chevron Championship in Houston, recovered with solid play on the back nine. Joining her at 9-under is second-ranked Jeeno thitikul.
Other Notable Performances
Hannah Green, the two-time defending champion, is within striking distance at 8-under.Yan Liu slipped to a tie for fourth at 11-under, along with Lauren Coughlin and Miyu Yamashita.
Amateur Misses Cut
Asterisk Talley, the 16-year-old amateur who was a recent runner-up at the Augusta National Women’s amateur, missed the cut by one stroke, carding rounds of 69 and 72. Talley had finished second at El Caballero last year in the U.S. Girls Junior.
Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions,formatted for the provided structure:
JM Eagle LA Championship: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q&A
Q: Who are the current leaders at the JM Eagle LA Championship?
A: Ingrid Lindblad and Ashleigh Buhai are tied for the lead at 13-under par.
Q: what was Ingrid Lindblad’s impressive round like?
A: Lindblad shot a career-best 9-under 63, including ten birdies and a single bogey, demonstrating excellent green reading and speed control.
Q: What is Ashleigh Buhai’s background?
A: Buhai is a 35-year-old South African golfer seeking her third LPGA Tour victory, including the 2022 Women’s British Open.
Q: Who else is in contention for the tournament?
A: Minjee Lee is one stroke behind the leaders, and Nelly Korda, along wiht Jeeno Thitikul, are also in contention at 9-under.
Q: Why is the tournament being held at El Caballero Country Club?
A: The event is at El caballero because Wilshire Country Club, the usual host, is undergoing renovations.
Q: Who is Asterisk Talley?
A: Asterisk Talley is a 16-year-old amateur who missed the cut by one stroke. She was a recent runner-up at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Q: What’s the best way to improve your golf game,according to the pros?
A: Consistent practice! As Ingrid Lindblad said,”If you put the work in,like eventually it’s going to show up.” Focus on your weaknesses and practice intentionally.
Stay tuned to see how the leaders hold up over the weekend at the JM Eagle LA Championship!
