Grace Kim widened her lead in the LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship with a stellar performance, carding a 5-under 66 in challenging afternoon conditions at Wilshire Country Club. Kim, who was one stroke ahead after the first round, now holds a four-stroke lead after finishing at 12-under 130.
The Australian golfer showcased her skills with an eagle, four birdies, and a lone bogey, demonstrating patience and precision on the tree-lined course with tricky, bumpy greens. Kim emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear mindset and staying patient, especially with the poa annua greens that tend to get bumpy in the afternoon.
Maja Stark sits in second place after shooting a 69 in the afternoon round. Stark highlighted the challenge of dealing with the wobbly greens, particularly due to the foot traffic throughout the day.
Last week's runner-up in Texas, Stark finished two strokes behind Nelly Korda in The Chevron Championship. Korda, the current top-ranked player, withdrew from the tournament following her fifth consecutive victory.
Defending champion Hannah Green of Australia posted a 69 to tie with Esther Henseleit of Germany at 6 under. Kristine Pedersen of Denmark and Auston Kim of the United States are at 5 under, while Rose Zhang leads the group at 4 under.
Grace Kim, the winner of last year's LOTTE Championship, started her second round on a strong note, bouncing back from an early bogey with an eagle and a birdie. She emphasized the need to stay composed and focused, especially during nerve-wracking moments on the course.
Kim's impressive performance has positioned her as a strong contender for the title as the tournament progresses. With her past success and current form, she remains a golfer to watch in the upcoming rounds of the JM Eagle LA Championship.
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