GALLOWAY, N.J. — Ilhee Lee shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday within the ShopRite LPGA Traditional in a spherical delayed by rain within the afternoon to take a one-stroke lead over 4 gamers into the ultimate spherical.
Tied for the first-round lead with Elizabeth Szokol after a 63, Lee rebounded from a double bogey on the par-4 eighth with a closing birdie on the par-5 ninth. The 36-year-old South Korean participant had an 11-under 131 complete on Seaview’s Bay Course.
“As we speak was completely completely different day, utterly completely different day, and I knew it was going to be utterly completely different day, so I did not have any expectations,” Lee mentioned. “Identical to I did yesterday, I used to be simply taking part in golf. Have enjoyable on the market. Made some birdies on first 9. “
She gained the 2013 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Traditional for her lone tour title.
“Now I understand how enjoyable this recreation is, so I am simply having fun with golf,” Lee mentioned.
Szokol had a 69 to drop right into a tie for second within the 54-hole occasion with fellow American Jennifer Kupcho (64) and Japanese gamers Mao Saigo (65) and Ayaka Furue (66).
“Simply attempting to remain affected person all day,” Szokol mentioned. “Did not fairly have issues go as nice as yesterday however nonetheless taking part in actually good golf.”
Kupcho birdied the ultimate two holes in her late afternoon spherical.
“I feel just a little little bit of enchancment to be made tomorrow,” Kupcho mentioned. “Wasn’t hitting the ball tremendous nice off the tee, however at the very least out right here it is manageable out of the tough or fairway bunkers. Was simply actually giving myself alternatives.”
Second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul shot her second 68 to get to six below, whereas No. 1 Nelly Korda was 5 below after a 66.
“Very pleased with how I performed at present, the previous two days,” Korda mentioned. “It is a difficult golf programs. Retains you in your toes on a regular basis.”
Maja Stark, the U.S. Ladies’s Open winner final week at Erin Hills, missed the reduce with rounds of 70 and 75. Defending champion Linnea Strom additionally dropped out, taking pictures 72-75.
