Angel Yin delivered a strong performance in the second round of the CME Group Tour Championship, highlighted by a 30-foot par-saving putt on her opening hole. This clutch moment set the tone for her 3-under 69, securing a two-shot lead heading into the weekend. With $4 million—the largest prize in women’s golf history—on the line, Yin’s steady play positioned her well in the title hunt.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda staged an impressive comeback. After an uncharacteristic 72 in the opening round left her eight shots back, Korda found her rhythm during Friday’s play. She posted a superb 66, cutting Yin’s lead in half with 36 holes still to go.
Reflecting on her resurgence, Korda shared, “Golf is crazy. Last week I felt untouchable, and yesterday I couldn’t find the center of the clubface. It humbles you, but that’s what makes it beautiful.” A focused range session after her opening round helped her rediscover a consistent swing, boosting her confidence heading into the weekend.
Angel Yin is barred from the penalty
With Yin’s calm precision and Korda’s fierce determination, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at Tiburón Golf Club as the world’s best vie for LPGA glory.
Angel Yin carded a three-under-par 69 to seize a two-stroke lead in Friday’s second round of the LPGA Tour Championship, overcoming both challenging conditions and a post-round penalty review. Her round, which included six birdies and three bogeys, brought her to 10-under 134 after 36 holes at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
Yin’s lead came under scrutiny when LPGA officials questioned a drop she made on the fourth hole, where her second shot landed in a water hazard. Officials inquired whether Yin had properly determined the point of entry before taking her drop. Yin defended her process, explaining that she consulted with her playing partners and based her drop on her shot’s trajectory and landing area.
“I believe I did take the drop properly,” Yin explained. “I asked everybody and explained my reasoning to the officials.” After reviewing her explanation, no penalty was assessed.
Read More: When Nelly Korda Had The Perfect Ace at The 2023 CME Group Tour Championship
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who started the day eight shots behind, surged into contention with a stellar 66. As Yin holds steady atop the leaderboard, Korda’s comeback sets the stage for a thrilling battle in the final rounds of the LPGA season finale.
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