Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko contend in New Jersey
Minjee Lee seen during round two today – photo LPGA / Getty Images
Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko, two of the more dominant players on the LPGA Tour in recent times have been below their best for much of early 2023, but at the halfway mark of the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, New Jersey, they find themselves very much in contention in the inagural staging of the event.
Lee’s second round of 64 saw the 27 year old jump from 55th after an opening round of 73 to a share of the lead with American Cheyenne Knight while Ko added a second consecutive round of 69 to be just one shot from the lead.
A few players are yet to complete their second rounds after play was suspended and the likes of Jin Young Ko and India’s Aditi Ashok could yet make a difference.
Lee raced to the turn in 30 and, in fact, birdied eight of her first twelve holes at the Liberty National Golf Club before the momentum slowed somewhat over the closing stages but she signed for an 8 under par round and a share of the lead.
“Yeah, I mean, I didn’t really feel like my score reflected sort of how I played yesterday, so I really just came in with a positive attitude,” said Lee. “I knew there was probably going to be less wind this morning, so just tried to take advantage of the good conditions that were given to me.
Lee gave an indication at the Founders Cup three weeks ago that things were on the improve after a start to the season which saw her record a best of only 41st in four early season starts. She finished runner-up there and this continues that impressive effort.
Lydia Ko today – image Getty / LPGA
Ko also has had an indifferent run by her standards on the LPGA Tour thus far in 2023. She finished 6th in the season opener in Thailand but has a best of 41st in four other LPGA Tour starts so this represents a significant improvement for the world number three.
She did however win an LET event in Saudi Arabia early in the year and was 3rd in an LET event in Florida two weeks ago.
“I haven’t — to be honest, haven’t been playing that great leading up to this week, said Ko. “I played much better and solid on the LET event a couple weeks ago, so that was a good momentum shift.
“Yeah, I think it’s kind of given me time to work with my team and reset. I think we’re moving in the right direction. It’s not perfect, but I feel a lot more comfortable and confident now than maybe a couple weeks ago.
“So I’m just taking it day by day and trust my team, and I think that’s the biggest key thought for me out there.”
Rookie, Grace Kim, is the next best of the Australasians in a share of 17th place and five shots from the lead.
