Seven birdies: Minjee Lee's bold bid for 11th LPGA win
Minjee Lee has surged to be just one shot from the lead midway through the LPGA Tour's LA Championship.
The Australian star posted a flawless second round seven-under 65, including seven birdies, at El Caballero Country Club on Friday to be challenging joint leaders Ashleigh Buhai and Ingrid Lindblad.
Sweden's Lindblad had a career-best 63 to get to 13 under, alongside South Africa's major winner Buhai (68).
With 10 LPGA titles to her name, including two majors, 28-year-old Lee is chasing a first victory since the BMW Ladies Championship in October, 2023.
But she has been thereabouts with two top-five finishes already this year, including a runner-up result at the Blue Bay LPGA last month.
She won the LA Championship in 2019 when it was played at Wilshire Country Club. This tournament is being played at El Caballero because of renovations at Wilshire.
Some gorgeous views from a gorgeous round 🎥✨ pic.twitter.com/tqQRz6Zp6A
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 18, 2025
"I think just being in the right spot off the tee and, obviously, just hitting good iron shots into the greens," Lee said.
"Some of the greens are a little bit bigger, there are bigger landing spots."
Fellow Australians Hannah Green - gunning for her third straight LA Championship win - and Steph Kyriacou are also well in the title chase, sitting tied 20th at eight under after both shot 67s.
Countrywoman Hira Naveed (69, four under) also made the halfway cut but Cassie Porter (72, three under), Grace Kim (73, even), Sarah Kemp (71, one over), Karis Davidson (71, two over) and Gabriela Ruffels (75, five over) all missed out on weekend play.
The 25-year-old Lindblad is a former college star for LSU.
"I feel like if you put the work in, like eventually it's going to show up," said Lindblad.
"Obviously, it's hard to tell exactly when it's going to show up, but I feel like I've been working on good things in my golf game that I need to get better at.
"After a day like this, it shows that it paid off."
Buhai had a share of the lead for the second straight day after opening with a 63.
"It's always difficult to follow a low one, but I'm pretty happy how I played today," said Buhai, the 2022 Women's British Open winner.
"Pins were a little trickier, but still some that were gettable."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Collingwood star makes big call on AFL future
Collingwood premiership defender Brayden Maynard has resisted the lure of free agency to re-sign with the Magpies for another four years. North Melbourne had come hard for Magpies vice-captain Maynard, 28, but he has instead signed with Collingwood until the end of 2029. Maynard had long appeared likely to remain at the club where he has played 218 games since he was drafted at pick No.30 in 2014 and won a premiership in 2023. "I'm incredibly proud and excited to be wearing the black and white for another four years," Maynard said. "I love this club. From the players and staff to our incredible fans, everyone contributes to making Collingwood the club it is. "To the Magpie Army - it's a privilege to represent you each week. "No matter where we play, you show up in force with passion and loyalty, and I can't wait to keep running out in front of you for years to come. Up the Maggies!" "I love you very much."Bruzzy's message to you, the Magpie Army, after he re-signed to become a Pie for life 🖤🤍 — Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) June 12, 2025 Collingwood had always been keen to retain the heart-and-soul defender, one of their most important players and an All-Australian in 2022. "Everyone at our club universally loves Brayden, but especially his teammates. He is a heart and soul player who leads from the front in every aspect," list boss Justin Leppitsch said. "It's great to have 'Bruz' recommit. He is the ultimate club-person, epitomising a team-first mentality on and off the field. "We are excited to see Brayden in the black and white for the next four years and beyond." Maynard has been sidelined with a rupture plantar fascia but is expected to be available after Collingwood's bye this week.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
LSU's Kim Mulkey Sends Message to Flau'jae Johnson After Career Announcement
LSU's Kim Mulkey Sends Message to Flau'jae Johnson After Career Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Flau'Jae Johnson is not only a star basketball player for the LSU Tigers. She is also a multi-talented woman. Advertisement Over the last three years, she has helped lead the Tigers to the Elite Eight round of the women's NCAA Tournament. As a freshman during the 2022-23 season, she teamed with Angel Reese, who is now with the WNBA's Chicago Sky, to guide LSU to the national championship with a win over Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes. Johnson is also a rapper who has appeared on "America's Got Talent" and "The Rap Game." She has released three albums, and on Friday, her new single, named "Remember When," dropped. Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey took to X to congratulate Johnson. "Proud of you @Flaujae 💜🤍💛," Johnson wrote. Johnson, who is originally from Georgia and also played baseball as a kid, averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds a game as a freshman at LSU. Last season, she put up 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals a game while shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range. Advertisement The 5-foot-10 guard was named to the All-SEC first team this past season. She had the opportunity to declare herself eligible for this year's WNBA draft, but she decided to instead remain at LSU for her senior season. LSU Tigers guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) drives to the basket at Florida Gators guard Jeriah Warren (20) Matt Pendleton: Imagn Images She has already signed with Unrivaled, a women's pro three-on-three basketball league. She has a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the league, and she, along with Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, has ownership equity as part of that NIL deal. Related: Paige Bueckers' Former Teammate Sends Message After Career Move This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
LSU's Kim Mulkey Reacts to Major Flau'jae Johnson Announcement on Monday
LSU's Kim Mulkey Reacts to Major Flau'jae Johnson Announcement on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The LSU women's basketball team has been considered one of the top in the college basketball world over the past several seasons, led by head coach Kim Mulkey. Advertisement Mulkey has been able to lead LSU to a national championship during her time with the program as well as several deep postseason runs. Last season with the Tigers, they made their way to the Elite Eight in the postseason. LSU defeated San Diego State, Florida State and NC State before playing the UCLA Bruins and losing to the Western Conference foe, 72-65. After the season, LSU lost a few key contributors, such as Aneesah Morrow, who transitioned to the WNBA. Despite the loss, they still have one of the best guards in the country, Flau'jae Johnson. Johnson is currently preparing for her fourth season at LSU, having established herself as a star on and off the court during her time with the Tigers. Advertisement As she works toward her senior season, Johnson has been named to the 2025 Women's Americup Team Trials. She will be participating in the training with Team USA in Colorado Springs this offseason. Kim Mulkey reacted to the announcement by reposting a photo of Flau'jae Johnson with the Team USA news posted, seemingly supporting the LSU star. Kim Mulkey, Instagram Kim Mulkey, Instagram Last season with the LSU Tigers, Flau'jae Johnson posted 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Throughout her three-year career with the Tigers, Johnson has averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Snook-Imagn Images Kim Mulkey has been with the LSU Tigers since 2021. During her time at LSU, she has led the Tigers to a national title and Final Four appearance. Advertisement Mulkey was also previously named the AP College Basketball Coach of the Year in 2022. Related: Chicago Sky Coach Sends Strong Angel Reese Message After Loss to Indiana Fever Related: LSU's Kim Mulkey Sends Message to Flau'jae Johnson After Career Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
