VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Megan Khang had 5 straight birdies in a back-nine burst and shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead within the CPKC Women’s Open at difficult Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.
After enjoying the primary 10 holes in 1 below, Khang birdied 5 straight on Nos. 11-15. She closed the bogey-free morning around with 3 pars, leaving her at 7-under 137 at the tree-lined — and mosquito-laden — format.
“Honestly, this golf course I feel like you can’t really get too comfortable,” Khang mentioned. “These fairways are tight and the greens are fast and firm, so I’m not taking anything for granted.”
Linn Grant of Sweden used to be 2d after a 71.
First-round chief Yuka Saso of Japan adopted her opening 66 with a 73 to drop right into a tie for 3rd at 5 below with 2019 winner Jin Young Ko of South Korea. The fourth-ranked Ko had a 70.
While winless at the LPGA Tour, Khang has 33 top-10 finishes and occupation income over $5 million. The 25-year-old American is No. 27 on the planet.
“Definitely birdies are out there,” Khang mentioned. “Again, just try to stay patient. There will be times where if you happen to miss the fairway you’re just going to have to punch out, and that’s OK. Just as long as you stay level-headed out there.”
Grant gained the Dana Open in July in Ohio for her first LPGA Tour name.
“Still a tricky course,” Grant mentioned. “Still some good golf, but not quite there.”
Ko gained in 2019 at Magna outdoor Toronto. She has 15 LPGA Tour victories.
“I hit a lot of good shots today,” Ko mentioned. “I hit 17 greens out of 18 greens. I did some miss putts, but was OK.”
Second-ranked Nelly Korda used to be 4 below after her 2d 70.
“It’s very crucial to hit it well out here,” Korda mentioned. “At the end of the day, you got to make putts.”
Canadian big name Brooke Henderson rebounded from a gap 75 with a bogey-free 68 to get to 1 below. The 2018 winner at Wascana in Regina, Saskatchewan, she is dressed in glasses in festival for the primary time.
“Feels really good to get back under par,” Henderson mentioned. “Feel like I fought really hard to get back under par. … Yesterday was not good, so coming out early this morning just wanted to get off to a good start, and birdieing the 11th hole — my second hole of the day — gave me the right momentum.”
Rose Zhang had a 75 to fall to even par. The 20-year-old Zhang gained the Mizuho Americas Open in June at Liberty National in her first skilled get started.
Top-ranked Lilia Vu additionally used to be even par after a 2d 72.
Three-time winner Lydia Ko used to be 2 over after a 74. She gained at Vancouver Golf Club in 2012 and 2015.
Lexi Thompson ignored the minimize with rounds of 76 and 80. She’s No. 157 within the Race to CME Globe and at risk of dropping her LPGA card with no need to use a one-time occupation cash exemption.
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