Leona Maguire, whose previous best major finish was T4 at last year’s Women’s British Open, leads the Women’s PGA Championship after two rounds.
First-round leaderboard of the Women’s PGA
-5 L Maguire (Ire); -4 M Reid (Eng), C Borge (Nor), X Lin (Chn); -3 M Lee (Aus), L-A Pace (SA); -2 R Yin (Chn)
Others: -1 S Meadow (NI); +3 J Ewart Shadoff (Eng), C Thomas (Eng); +5 G Dryburgh (Sco)
Full leaderboard
Leona Maguire from Ireland charged ahead at the Women’s PGA Championship in New Jersey, thanks to a series of late birdies.
With a three-under 68 in the second round, she edged ahead to five under par, a single shot clear of a trio that includes England’s Mel Reid.
At 28 years old, Maguire, for the first time, led a major halfway through after making four birdies in her last six holes.
“I’m navigating uncharted waters,” Maguire commented.
“I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from whatever transpires this week and I’m taking it one day at a time. I believe this golf course demands that level of focus. Thinking more than one shot ahead, let alone planning a hole or a round, is not feasible.”
Maguire, having been three shots adrift after the first day, has shown great form recently, clinching her second LPGA Tour title at the LPGA Classic last Sunday.
On the renowned Baltusrol course in New Jersey, Reid’s round of 67 propelled her to a tie for second at four under par, with China’s Lin Xiyu and Norway’s Celine Borge.
Hot on their heels are first-round leader, South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace and Australia’s Minjee Lee, who is vying for her third major title, trailing by just a shot.
Reid’s remarkable comeback in the second major of the year comes only nine months after a wrist injury forced her to step away from golf.
“I really quit,” Reid admitted. “Following my injury, I tried to push through, which I felt was necessary. But in September, I told Carly [her wife], ‘I’m moving to media, I’m done with golf.’
“However, after some space, I started to work things out on my own. I missed the competitive spirit and decided to give it another shot. I’ve genuinely been having a great time this year.”
Stephanie Meadow of Northern Ireland, currently one under, is the only other British player below par after two rounds, standing among eight players – including top-ranked Ko Jin-young.
However, English players Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, Bronte Law and Laura Davies, along with world number two Nelly Korda, fellow American and world number four Lilia Vu, and Thai number six Atthaya Thitikul, all failed to make the cut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s PGA Championship
Who is leading the Women’s PGA Championship at the halfway mark?
Leona Maguire from Ireland is leading the Women’s PGA Championship at the halfway mark.
What is Leona Maguire’s score at the halfway mark of the Women’s PGA Championship?
Leona Maguire scored a three-under 68 in the second round, bringing her total to five under par at the halfway mark of the Women’s PGA Championship.
Who are the key contenders trailing behind Leona Maguire?
Mel Reid from England, Celine Borge from Norway, and Lin Xiyu from China are trailing behind Maguire, each at four under par. Also in close contention are Lee-Anne Pace from South Africa and Minjee Lee from Australia, each at three under par.
What was Mel Reid’s experience after her wrist injury?
After her wrist injury, Mel Reid had initially decided to quit golf and move into media. However, she missed the competitiveness of the sport and decided to return. Her comeback has been promising, as she is now tied for second at the Women’s PGA Championship.
Who are the British players who missed the cut?
The British players who missed the cut include Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, Bronte Law, and Laura Davies.
Did any top-ranked players miss the cut at the Women’s PGA Championship?
Yes, world number two Nelly Korda, fellow American and world number four Lilia Vu, and Thai number six Atthaya Thitikul all missed the cut at the Women’s PGA Championship.
More about Women’s PGA Championship
- Leona Maguire’s Profile
- Women’s PGA Championship Official Website
- Mel Reid’s Profile
- Latest Women’s Golf Rankings
- Baltusrol Golf Club Information
6 comments
i’m rootin’ for Reid. she’s shown such guts, quittin’ then comin’ back like this. Bet she’ll pull ahead.
Such a shocker! How did world no.2 Korda and no.4 Vu not make the cut? Something’s off here!
Maguire’s doing great, but let’s not forget Reid. heck of a comeback after that wrist injury… and she’s doing good here.
Wow, Maguire is killin’ it! Never thought she’d lead a major halfway. let’s see if she can hang on till the end. Go Ireland!
Can’t belive Nelly Korda missed the cut. Was really hoping to see her go far this year…maybe next time.
Maguire’s game has been strong. If she keeps up the momentum, she’ll win for sure. And Reid, what a comeback story! she’s got my respect.