LPGA Rookies Star in Tight JM Eagle LA Championship Race

TARZANA, Calif. (AP) — Ingrid Lindblad and Ashleigh Buhai share the lead at the JM Eagle LA Championship after outstanding performances on Friday, with both players finishing the second round at 13-under-par 131.

Lindblad, a 25-year-old rookie from Sweden, achieved a career-low score of 9-under 63, which included 10 birdies and just one bogey. Despite cool temperatures barely reaching the low 60s, Lindblad felt confident throughout her round, effectively reading the undulating greens at El Caballero Country Club.

“Every putt I stood over, I felt like it had a chance to go in,” said Lindblad, a former LSU star. “I read the greens really well. Made a couple of these good 10-footers, 17-footers, so it wasn’t just tap-ins.”

Buhai, the 35-year-old South African and co-leader from the previous round, carded a solid 4-under 68. Known for her calm under pressure, Buhai managed to maintain her competitive edge, even as the conditions changed.

“Yeah, it’s always difficult to follow a low one, but I’m pretty happy with how I played today,” Buhai said. “Pins were a little trickier, but still some that were gettable. I hit my lines and just continued to keep doing that.”

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, Minjee Lee trails just one stroke behind the leaders after a 65 on Friday, bringing her total to 12 under. Lee, a two-time major champion, made a strategic equipment switch to a long putter at the beginning of the year, which appeared to yield dividends during her second round.

“I hit it really solid and holed quite a number of good-length putts,” Lee noted. “Being in the right spot off the tee has been key to giving me the opportunity to hit my approach shots into the right spots on the very tricky El Cab greens.”

World No. 1 Nelly Korda also remains in contention at 9-under 135. After overcoming a rough start characterized by a double-bogey and a subsequent bogey, Korda regrouped with birdies on her final holes, continuing her quest for a successful title defense.

“After the hiccup, I had a pep talk with myself,” Korda shared. “I knew if I hit solid shots off the tee, I would have good looks into the green.”

The tournament, being held at El Caballero due to renovations at Wilshire Country Club, is expected to deliver high-stakes competition as multiple players remain in contention for the title. With 14 players within four shots of the lead, the weekend promises to showcase intense golfing rounds.

First-round co-leader Yan Liu dropped to a tie for fourth after shooting a 70, placing her at 11 under alongside Lauren Coughlin and Miyu Yamashita. The tight leaderboard sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to this significant tournament in the LPGA calendar.