Inbee Park’s seven-time mainstay has a one-shot lead over Open champion Sophia Popov heading into the weekend at the Kia Classic, while Mel Reid is just three off the beaten track.
By Keith Jackson
Last updated: 27/03/21 2:12 am
Mel Reid is three behind Inbee Park going into the weekend
Mel Reid remained in contention for her second LPGA title when she fired a hard 70 to lay three hits behind the Inbee Park halfway leader at the Kia Classic.
Reid kept errors at bay and fixed two birdies and 16 pars to reach six under par, while Women’s Open champion Sophia Popov jumped into second place after opening 69 with a six-birdie 68.
Park leads the way into the weekend at Carlsbad in California, covering the back nine in 35 before three birdies in five holes lifted her to 10 under, though South Korea allowed first sight of the week at the seventh.
Sophia Popov, the Women’s Open champion, shot at 68 to jump to second place
The seven-time main champion closed on a nine under to stay a picture ahead of Popov, who was five under for the day after 12 holes before her challenge with back bogs stopped at fifth and sixth.
The German received one blow back at the next to secure a place in the final group Saturday with Park and Reid, who are in third place after 36 holes have been parked all holes on the half- inside because she missed a series of good opportunities to get closer to the leader.
“My putter was as cold as the ice today,” Reid said nervously. “I felt like I hit it well, I think I lost one green. I didn’t drive it as well and I usually would drive it, but I feel like I I’m in a good place, I’m hitting it good.
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“I need a few more putts to fall. I was hitting good putts, it’s just hard to make putts in the afternoon. The greens get a little bit rough in the afternoon and it’s hard to keep that kind of ball on But free from a bogey on a difficult golf course, I would always take that. “
Reid enjoys the opportunity to play alongside a pair of top winners in the final three on Saturday, and has great respect for what Park has accomplished in his illustrious career.
“Inbee has earned a lot,” she said. “I’m definitely going to have to play well to get the job done over the weekend with a couple of top champions ahead of me. Inbee may be one of the best golfers to ever play our game.
Reid repaired two birds and 16 pars in her 70s
“Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Of course I’m good friends with Sophia, so it should be a fun weekend. I’m looking forward to it.”
Bronte Law (72) and Stephanie Meadow (75) were two of just 24 players to reach the halfway stage below par, and Charley Hull made four birdies over her last eight holes to score a card. make it 70 and make it safe through to the weekend on two over.
But Georgia Hall (+6) has two more days to work ahead of the first major week of the year, the ANA Inspiration, with returning Michelle Wie West.
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Wie took seven hits where 82 opened to finish 11 over in her first tournament for nearly two years, and said: “I was rusty and, with the windy weather yesterday, that was hard to get into. But there is a lot to learn from the last day or two.
“I like today that it was a lot more consistent than yesterday. Of course I’m not yet where I want it to be, but I’ve made a lot of progress, and that’s the best thing. If you can I get better with seven strokes a day.