24-05-2025
Jenny Bae, daughter of chicken farmers, grows lead to 2 shots at LPGA's Mexico Riviera Maya
Jenny Bae, daughter of chicken farmers, grows lead to 2 shots at LPGA's Mexico Riviera Maya
"LPGA rookie, daughter of chicken farmers, wins first event." There are 18 holes to go, but that would be one heck of a headline.
Jenny Bae can make that a reality Sunday at the 2025 Mexico Riviera Maya Open Mayakoba, the LPGA's return to Mexico after being away for eight years.
Bae shot a 2-under 70 on Saturday to get to 8 under, two shots clear of the field.
Chisato Iwai, who posted 4-under 68, is tied at 6 under alongside Yahui Zhang, who also shot a 68. Gabi Ruffels shot a 1-under 71 and sits solo fourth after 54 holes. Somi Lee also shot 68 at El Camaleon Golf Course and is tied for fifth along with Haeji Kang, Lindy Duncan, Aline Krauter, Hye-Jin Choi, Miranda Wang and Brianna Do.
Bae's family owns a chicken farm in Maysville, Georgia, where for the last 10 years Peter and Hannah Bae have been growing for Wayne-Sanderson Farms. They raise more than 450,000 chickens a year. Last year, as Jenny embarked on her second year on the Epson Tour and money ran tight, Wayne-Sanderson offered to partner in a different way – as her sponsor.
Bae has made three cuts in six outings in 2025, including the last two events. Her best outing was a tie for 11th at the JM Eagle LA Championship five weeks ago.
Golfweek's Beth Ann Nichols contributed to this article.
