Mao Saigo Leads U.S. Women’s Open After Impressive Second Round

ERIN, Wis. — Mao Saigo is making her mark at the U.S. Women's Open after an impressive second-round performance. On Friday, the 23-year-old Japanese golfer shot a remarkable 6-under 66, giving her a total score of 8-under 136 and a three-stroke lead over a competitive field.

Saigo’s round included back-to-back birdies on Nos. 11 and 12. Despite facing some challenges, including a bogey on the par-5 No. 14, she managed to bounce back with four birdies in five holes from Nos. 16 to 2. “I just thought to myself that it was just unlucky, and then I just changed my mind,” Saigo said regarding her earlier setback.

Following Saigo on the leaderboard is a group of six players, led by top-ranked Nelly Korda, who is making her best showing yet at the U.S. Women’s Open with a score of 5-under. Korda, who previously struggled in this tournament, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, saying, “I’m happy to be in the position I am heading into the weekend.”

During her round, Korda noted a significant improvement in her putting. After having no birdies the day before, she achieved seven birdies on Friday. “I was hitting exactly where I wanted to, and they were falling today,” Korda added.

Defending U.S. Women’s Open champion A Lim Kim is also in the mix, tied for second place at 6-under after finishing her round with a bogey on the par-5 18th. Kim quickly adjusted to the weather delay that halted play for 54 minutes, stating her intent to chase the leader: “Really good position. I love to chase the leader.”

The tournament faced disruptions due to weather, leading to play being suspended due to darkness. As a result, twelve players were unable to finish their rounds on Friday. Saigo aims to maintain her lead as the tournament progresses into the weekend.