Benefiting from more favorable playing conditions than for the morning games, In Gee Chun, author of a superb 66 (-5), took the lead in the AIG Women’s Open. At -8 (134), the South Korean, three times victorious in Majors, has a lead over South African Ashleigh Buhai and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom, both 65 (-6) today. Solid in the wind with her 70 (-1), Céline Boutier occupies 7th place at -4 (138). Perrine Delacour and Céline Herbin, the two other French women involved, did not make the cut.
L.V.
In the good draw, In Gee Chun27, took the opportunity to take control of the AIG Women’s Open. Leaving at 1:38 p.m. (12:38 p.m. in Scotland), the South Korean indeed benefited from weather that was a little less complicated than the morning groups. Three times victorious in Majors (US Open 2015, Evian Championship 2016 et KPMG PGA Championship 2022), the experienced Asian golfer managed to post an excellent 66 (-5) with in particular a return completed in 31 (-4).
Les tee-times du 3e tour du AIG Women’s Open 2022
The Grand Slam record holder (men and women combined) with her historic -21 achieved in Evian in 2016 confirms here her very good current form, she who has only missed one cut this season on the LPGA Tour in fifteen starts. His -8 (134) halfway through allows him to count a small point ahead of a duo who also took advantage of this surprisingly more favorable weather in the afternoon. Usually, on the Scottish links, it is often this part of the day that is regularly buffeted by the winds.
Here was the vital putt @ingeechun_dumbo holed on 18 to save par, after finding a fairway bunker with her tee shot!#WorldClass pic.twitter.com/FR2lk1g4n6
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 5, 2022
The South African Ashleigh Buhai33, and the Swedish Madeleine Sagstrom29, both 65 (-7) this Friday on the yet formidable par 71 of Muirfield, have produced a very high standard of golf. Buhai, author of a hair-raising go (30 (-6) with an eagle and four birdies), can thank her putter, literally on fire. 26 putts on arrival for the one who had finished 5e du British Open 2019 after being in the lead after the first two laps.
Inbee Park, at the corner of the woods…
Madelene Sagstrom also has a nice background in the last Major of the season. Winner of Gainbridge LPGA en 2020she distinguished herself British 2021 at Carnoustiefinishing second, just behind her compatriot Anna Nordqvist. Like In Gee Chun, the Scandinavian is currently having a very solid season on the US Circuit. In 17 starts, she has only missed one cut. At the US Open.
The Moving Day promises to be exciting in any case since serious customers are in ambush such Inbee Parkseven victories in Majors including the British 2015, only 4th at -6 (136) just ahead of the Australian Hannah Greentied for 5th (with the Japanese Miyu Yamashita), winner of the KPMG PGA Championship 2019.
Seventh at -4 (138) after battling with the wind in the morning, Celine Boutier is also in the game for the win, tied with the Australian Minjee Lee and the Japanese Hinako Shibuno, leader after 18 holes. Even if the road is still long until Sunday evening. La Francilienne, second last weekend at the Scottish Open, has in any case proven that we should count on her in the next two days.
Unfortunately, this will not be the case for Perrine Delacour et Celine Herbin. The other two tricolors present this week at Gullane. The Picarde and the Normande finish respectively three and four moves from a cut set at +3. 77 (+6) for the first, which failed to sign any birdie. 72 (+1) for the second, who knew how to react after his difficult 77 on Thursday…
Exit also for some great favorites. Let us quote the defending champion, Anna Nordqvistthe world No. 1, Jin Young Kothe Japanese Yaka Furuewinner of the Scottish Open last weekend, the Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda3rd at Evian a fortnight ago, or even the American Lexi Thompsonworld No. 7, who went through these first two rounds in Scotland like a ghost with two cards of 75 and 77!
Le leaderboard
Photo : Richard Heathcote/R&A via Getty Images
