Sarah Schmelzel secures a win in Arkansas, sharing the tournament lead on the LPGA tour
Alison Lee Chases Lead in Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
In the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Alison Lee is making a strong push towards the top of the leaderboard. Lee, who is playing in her third tournament since giving birth to a son in late April, finished strongly with a birdie and an eagle, leaving her one shot behind the leaders.
Sarah Schmelzel and Minami Katsu share the lead after both players shot an 8-under 63 in the tournament. Schmelzel's round included an eagle on the par-5 18th, while Katsu had a bogey-free round with eight birdies.
Lee attributed her improved iron play to an extra day of preparation due to the Friday start of the 54-hole event. The American player, who finished in a tie for 53rd at the Aramco Series event in Houston and missed the cut last week in the Kroger Queen City Championship outside Cincinnati, is clearly finding her form.
Nelly Korda, who had a seven-win year in 2024, is still winless this season. Korda scored 69 in the tournament but is closer to the cut line than to the lead for the second round. Korda, who played in the Solheim Cup while pregnant last year and has returned to competition this month, will be hoping to turn things around.
Canada's Savannah Grewal had an opening round of 3-under 68, while Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., opened with a score of 74. Lilia Vu, Nasa Hataoka, Carlota Ciganda, Leona Maguire, and Somi Lee all shot 64 in the tournament, setting a high standard for the rest of the field.
Lee's son is traveling with her during the tournament, adding an extra layer of motivation for the American player. Laura Fünfstück, who finished in fourth place after missing the cut at both the Aramco Series event in Houston and the Kroger Queen City Championship outside Cincinnati, will be looking to make a move up the leaderboard in the coming days.
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