Mao Saigo has jumped to the top of the U.S. Women’s Open. She came in with a dazzling 6-under 66 on Friday at Erin Hills. She’s comfortably in first place after two rounds, having shot an outstanding 8-under 136 through 36 holes. That puts her three strokes clear of as many as six players, including No. 1 Nelly Korda, who posted a 67 today.
Saigo won her first big title this year at the Chevron Championship. She exhibited her mastery with a beautiful blend of flawless op-eds and short stories, but adventurous stumbles into turbulent waters at times. In all, her most memorable shot may have been her third on the par-4 12th, which hit the flagstick, yet rebounded into a trap. Even after this unfortunate punishment, she did not lose focus for the rest of her round. She even bogeyed both the par-5 No. 12 and the par-5 No. 18. In the end, she fell back into a tie for second place.
While Saigo continues to pace the field, Korda’s round was her best in U.S. Women’s Open history. With her putting fractional accounting for seven birdies, Korda spoke on her tortured love affair with the fickle event.
“I feel like I’ve had a very complicated relationship with U.S. Opens.” – Nelly Korda
A Lim Kim, who trails by one shot, standing all alone in second place at 6-under. With her, they join five others — including Hinako Shibuno and Sarah Schmelzel — competing for the top spots at 5-under. Just ask A Lim Kim, who kept hope alive that she would win the tournament.
“I love to chase the leader, so let me see.” – A Lim Kim
The tournament was suspended because of darkness on Friday night, with 12 players forced to complete their rounds on Saturday. Tied for second with an impressive list of players are Jing Yan, Lin Grant and Chiara Tamburlini and Jinhee Im, all at 4-under.
To stay ahead in the tournament, Saigo, like all other contestants, must build on her lead. She expressed her determination, stating:
“All I can say is that I will do my best, and as a result, I would like to make a good result.” – Mao Saigo
There are just two rounds left in the dramatic debut of Erin Hills. Competitors are already preparing to follow in Saigo’s footsteps and claim the coveted title of World Champion for themselves.
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