Jeeno Thitikul surged to 8-under at the Mizuho Americas Open, opening a three-shot lead as weather softened Mountain Ridge.
Jeeno Thitikul turned a difficult Friday at the Mizuho Americas Open into a major weekend opportunity, closing her second round with four birdies over her final seven holes to reach 8-under 136 and build a three-shot lead at Mountain Ridge Country Club.
For much of the day, West Caldwell, New Jersey, offered very little room for mistakes.
Firm greens, thick rough and gusty conditions made par feel valuable, especially for the early wave.
Jennifer Kupcho handled it better than most, shooting a 69 to get to 5-under 139. Her round ended with a clutch 15-foot par putt on the 18th after she found a bunker on approach.
But the course changed just enough later in the day. A light rain softened the greens, and the wind faded. Thitikul took full advantage, finding her rhythm after a slow start and creating separation from the field.
It’s a big chance for the former world No. 1, who is chasing her first LPGA win of the season. Nelly Korda, who overtook Thitikul at No. 1, is not in the field this week.
Kupcho sits alone in second, while Brooke Matthews is four shots back after a 72. Celine Boutier made a move with a 68 and stands at 3-under 141, five behind Thitikul.
Friday was much rougher for some major names. Lydia Ko shot 75 but remained within six shots, a reminder of how punishing Mountain Ridge played.
First-round leader Andrea Lee followed her opening 66 with a 79 after a brutal front-nine stretch.
The cut fell at 50 players and ties, with Charley Hull, Brooke Henderson and Sei Young Kim missing the weekend.
Tournament host Michelle Wie West also missed the cut in her first competition in three years, closing with an 80 after an opening 82.
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