Rolex Rankings No. 8 Ai Miyazato set a new tournament record on Friday with an eight-under-par 64, taking the lead heading into the third-round at the CME Group Titleholders at 10-under-par being played at The TwinEagles Golf Course, the Eagle Course in Naples, Florida. The Japanese superstar entered the day tied for 16th but strung together nine birdies and a bogey to catapult herself to a one-stroke lead over South Korean Na Yeon Choi (68) and a two-stroke lead over a group of four, including American Brittany Lincicome (69), France s Karine Icher (70), and first round leaders Norway s Suzann Pettersen (71) and South Korean Sun Young Yoo (71). Miyazato torched the greens on the Eagles Course at TwinEagles Club with just 25 putts, six fewer than her opening round. The Japan native says seeing those numbers today verified what she has been working on for the last few months of the season. “Nothing, but I&aposve been dealing with my putting since last month and it just didn&apost go in last couple months, but I just say to myself just be patient and it&aposs going to go in some day,” said Miyazato. “But this is the last tournament so I kind of have like no expectations to myself and nice and relaxed out there, so I was really calm all day. That&aposs why I think I made some good putts.” Miyazato has already claimed two victories this season, including the LOTTE LPGA Championship Presented by J Golf and the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G. Karrie Webb is the leading Australian at the midway point. Webb carded her second consecutive round of 69 to sit at six-under-par and tied for seventh position with Germany s Sandra Gal and South Korean So Yeon Ryu. Lindsey Wright, who was one back starting today s round, couldn’t repeat her putting performance of round one and posted two-over-par 74 to sit at three-under-par and tied for 18th. Katherine Hull (72) is a further shot back and tied for 24th. Sarah Jane Smith (77) is the final Australian in the limited field event and is currently tied for 63rd at six-over-par.
Author: Australian Ladies Professional Golf