Kelowna’s Richdale makes the cut in Wisconsin

ONEIDA, Wis. — Katherine Kirk shot a career-best 9-under 63 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the weather-delayed second round of the inaugural Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.

Kirk, a 35-year-old Australian who has two victories in 14 years on the LPGA Tour, played the back nine in 7-under 29 at Thornberry Creek, the Oneida Nation-owned resort near Green Bay. She eagled the par-5 13th and hit a hybrid to four feet on the 196-yard, par-3 17th for her final birdie to finish at 13-under through two rounds.

Kirk finished her round before a 3 1/2-hour delay for lightning in the area.

Jaye Marie Green birdied eight of her final 12 holes to shoot 66 and was three shots back. Sandra Gal of Germany was also 10 under through 13 holes when play was suspended because of darkness.

Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand was four shots back after a secondround 68. Her younger sister, second-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn, withdrew with a shoulder injury on Friday, one day after struggling to a 78.

Top-ranked So Yeon Ryu, No. 3 Lexi Thompson and No. 4 Lydia Ko are among those taking the week off before the U.S. Women’s Open next week at Trump International in New Jersey.

In Gee Chun, the highest-ranked player remaining in the field at No. 5, was 5 under through 12 holes.

Eighth-ranked Brooke Henderson was also 5 under after a 68. Henderson finished runner-up to Danielle Kang in last week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Kelowna’s Samantha Richdale was tied with Henderson at 5 under, following up her opening-round 69 with a solid 70.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp is the top Canadian at 6 under but had her day cut short, making it through just 13 holes.