Canada’s Henderson maintains lead at Meijer Classic
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan: Canadian star Brooke Henderson rolled in four straight birdies in the middle of her round en route to a 67 and a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Meijer Classic on Friday.
The 19-year-old could have had a bigger lead but she ended her round with back-to-back bogeys to reach a 12-under 130 total, setting the tournament’s 36-hole scoring record.
Despite the weak finish, Henderson is able to look at the positive side and is full of confidence going into the weekend at the Blythefield Country Club course.
“Two bogeys to finish, but that just gives me a little more motivation going into tomorrow,” said Henderson.
Henderson has a solid lead over South Korean Hur Mi-Jung (66), Spaniard Carlota Ciganda (64) and Lexi Thompson of the US in the $2 million LPGA Tour event.
“It’s great to see my name up there (on the top of the leaderboard),” said Henderson of Ottawa, Ontario.
“It’s been a little bit of a rough season so far, not getting the results that I’ve been looking for. But this week seems to be a turnaround week and hopefully I can just finish strong the next two days.”
Henderson hit 85 percent of the fairways and averaged 290 yards off the tee.
Hur kept bogeys off her scorecard Friday as she fired her second straight five-under 66. She already has three top five finishes this season.
“I had four bogeys yesterday and I really frustrated myself,” she explained. “Today was bogey-free, so I love it.
“My greens in regulation were a lot better than the last couple of years, which means I have a lot of chances to make a birdie, not par. It’s made me play better the last couple of years.”
Ciganda’s 64 included five birdies and an eagle and was the round of the day.
“I played really solid, I made really good putts,” said Ciganda. “I like the course. I feel comfortable. I played here last year and I’m excited for the weekend.”
Thompson, who is the lone American in the top nine, had a mixed round of 68 with six birdies and three bogeys.
Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn is proving there is more than one champion in the family. Moriya, the sister of world No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, is alone in fifth at nine-under 133, three shots back of Henderson.