Mao Saigo Leads U.S. Women’s Open After Strong Round at Erin Hills

ERIN, Wis. — Mao Saigo shot a 6-under 66 on Friday, taking the second-round lead at the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills. The 23-year-old Japanese golfer now sits at 8-under 136, holding a three-stroke advantage over a group of six players, including top-ranked Nelly Korda.

If Saigo continues at this pace, she could finish at 16 under, matching the record set by Brooks Koepka in 2017. “It is very difficult to compare,” Saigo said through an interpreter when asked about the record. “All I can say is that I will do my best, and as a result, I would like to make a good result.”

Saigo had already made headlines this year with her victory at the Chevron Championship outside Houston, marking her first LPGA Tour title. Korda, who shot a 67 with seven birdies, expressed her complicated relationship with U.S. Opens, yet she feels positive about her current standing. “I feel like I’ve had a very complicated relationship with U.S. Opens, but I’m happy to be in the position I am heading into the weekend,” Korda said.

Along with Korda, other players tied at 5 under include Hinako Shibuno, Sarah Schmelzel, Maja Stark, Yealimi Noh, and A Lim Kim, who won the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open. Jing Yan, Lin Grant, and Jinhee Im also remain in contention at 4 under.

The second round experienced interruptions due to weather, with play suspended for about 54 minutes while Kim awaited the resumption of her round. “Really good position,” Kim stated after returning to finish the 17th hole. “I love to chase the leader, so let me see.”

Saigo’s round was not without its challenges. After birdies on the 11th and 12th holes, a bogey on the par-5 14th resulted from a mishap when her shot hit the flagstick, bounced back, and landed in a bunker. “I thought that was not my mistake,” she reflected. “I just thought to myself that it was just unlucky, and then I just changed my mind.”

Play was eventually suspended due to darkness with 12 players still on the course, leaving an exciting finish to come this weekend.