Jutanugarn hits the front once more
Ariya Jutanugarn's fantastic run of form continued on Friday as she took the 36-hole lead at the LPGA Volvik Championship.
The 20-year-old arrived in Ann Arbor having won back-to-back events, the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic and Kingsmill Championship, and quickly signalled her intentions to make it three in a row when she fired an opening 65 to sit one off the pace after the first round. She went one better on Friday.
The Thai sensation carded a second-round 68 to move to eleven-under, two clear of first round leader Christina Kim, So Yeon Ryu and Marina Alex.
Jutanugarn went bogey free at the Travis Pointe Country Club on Thursday, and she repeated the feat on Friday, notching up four birdies on the closing nine to hit the front for the third tournament running.
Should the Bangkok native claim victory this week, she will be the first player to win three straight events since Inbee Park did so in 2013.
Putting was the key for Kim in her opening 64, but the American needed 30 putts on Friday and this contributed a round of 71 which included two birdies and a bogey at the par-three 12th and left her on nine-under.
A bogey-free round of five-under par 67 saw Ryo jump into a share of second. Alex too fired a 67, the American registering six birdies and a bogey.
A group of three players that includes Brittany Lincicome are a further two shots adrift of the lead.
World number one Lydia Ko is nine shots back after consecutive rounds of 71.
Paula Creamer, Yani Tseng and Michelle Wie were among those to fail to make the weekend's running.
Latest
-
Courses
Six of the toughest holes in golf anywhere in the world
Check out six of the toughest holes in golf
-
Instruction
WATCH: Tommy Fleetwood explains his three-quarter swing
Tommy Fleetwood has an interesting swing style which has caught the attention of many.
-
Equipment
Lucas Glover raises eyebrows with new broomstick putter from L.A.B
Lucas Glover is set to switch the new L.A.B. Golf DF3 broomstick putter into his bag after a brief trial.
-
Videos
WATCH: Dog proves why he’s man’s best friend with refreshments delivery on golf course
Just when you think a man’s best friend couldn’t get any better somebody shows us they can.
-
Equipment
Cameron Young trialling unusual prototype club at The Players
Cameron Young is out to solve a great riddle of the Players Stadium Course in Palm Valley with an unusual but logical addition to his bag.
-
Courses
How much will a round at Glendower Golf Club’s championship course set you back?
Glendower Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging.
-
Equipment
Ping’s G730 irons deliver on promises of more distance and maximum forgiveness
Ping deliver easy-to-hit high-launch distance irons.
-
Videos
WATCH: Golfer defies logic with sand wedge escape filmed in super-satisfying slow-mo
You won’t see anything more satisfying today.
-
News
Rickie Fowler’s driver trials and tribulations show how tough it is for pros to find the right fit
The driver struggles have been real for Rickie Fowler.