Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad and South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai are tied at the top after round two of the LPGA Tour’s LA Championship, held Friday at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. Lindblad fired a career-best 9-under-par 63, while Buhai added a solid 4-under 68 to her first-round lead. With just two rounds left, both golfers are now in strong contention for the title in this key event leading up to the Chevron Championship.
Lindblad’s Career-Best Round Stuns Fans
Ingrid Lindblad, 25, played one of the best rounds of her professional career. Her 63 included nine birdies and just one bogey. She made six birdies on the front nine alone and then bounced back strongly after a bogey on the 10th hole with four straight birdies.
“I just read the greens really well,” Lindblad said in a post-round interview. “It felt like every putt I stood over had a chance to go in.”
Lindblad, a rising star from Sweden, said she could have gone even lower. She birdied two of the par-5 holes but only managed par on the two shortest ones. “That’s where I left some shots out there,” she added.
Buhai Follows Up with Steady Play
Ashleigh Buhai, who led the first round after a brilliant 63, shot a 4-under 68 to stay at the top. The 2022 British Open champion said the second round was more challenging due to tougher pin placements.
“It’s always hard to follow up a low round,” said Buhai. “I’m proud of how I hung in there today. The pins were trickier, and I missed a few more greens, but I made good up-and-downs to stay in it.”
Buhai’s experience and composure were clear as she maintained her lead under tougher course conditions.
Minjee Lee One Shot Back
Australian golfer Minjee Lee is just one stroke behind the leaders after a flawless 7-under-par 65. Lee’s round included seven birdies and no bogeys. The consistent ball-striker is known for her calm approach and could be a major threat heading into the weekend.
Lee is seeking her first LPGA Tour win of the season and has built strong momentum at the El Caballero course.
Tight Leaderboard as Liu Falls Back
China’s Liu Yan, who shared the lead after round one, dropped to a tie for fourth following a 2-under-par 70. She now shares the position with Japan’s Miyu Yamashita and American Lauren Coughlin.
Despite a slight dip in performance, Liu remains just two shots behind the leaders and is still in the mix as the tournament heads into the final two days.
Nelly Korda Four Shots Off the Lead
World No. 1 Nelly Korda sits four shots back after a mixed second round. She struggled early, carding a double bogey on the fourth hole followed by a bogey, but recovered to stay in contention.
“I think it’s good prep playing the week before a major,” Korda said, referring to the upcoming Chevron Championship. “It shows where your game is at. And when you put together solid rounds, it builds confidence.”
Korda is aiming to peak just in time for her title defense at the season’s first major next week in Houston.
Tournament Venue Shift
This year’s LA Championship is being held at El Caballero Country Club due to renovation work at the regular venue, Wilshire Country Club. The change hasn’t stopped players from delivering strong performances.
The El Caballero course, known for its tree-lined fairways and well-guarded greens, has provided a fair yet challenging layout for the field.
Looking Ahead
With two rounds remaining, the battle at the top remains intense. Lindblad and Buhai will look to continue their strong play, but with Lee, Korda, and other top names close behind, anything can happen.
The third round will tee off Saturday morning, and all eyes will be on the leaders as they try to separate themselves in one of the final tune-up events before the LPGA’s first major of the year.
