Shibuno takes control at Chevron Championship
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – Hinako Shibuno shot a 6-under 66 on Friday in The Chevron Championship to take the lead halfway through the second round.
The 23-year-old Japanese player had a 9-under 135 total at Mission Hills, the tree-lined course hosting the major championship for the final time.
Unable to find a sponsor to stay at Mission Hills, the tournament is shifting to Houston next year under a deal with Chevron. The event started in 1972 as the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle and became a major in 1983.
Shibuno had seven birdies and a bogey on the first 13 holes and closed with five pars in warm and sunny morning conditions. She opened with a tap-in birdie on the par-4 first and had another on the par-4 10th.
“That makes it easier to play golf,” Shibuno said through a translator.
The 2019 Women’s British Open winner is sticking with the routine that has worked so far.
“I’m going to do just same thing,” Shibuno said “I’m going to eat and I’m going to sleep.”
Jennifer Kupcho and Minjee Lee, tied for the first-round lead at 66, were in the afternoon group.
Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit (69) and Annie Park (67) were a stroke back.
“I feel like I left a lot out there,” Tavatanakit said. “But at the same time, that’s just golf. There is no way you’re going to have a perfect day with no mistakes. ”
Tavatanakit closed with birdies on the par-3 17th and par-5 18th.
“I think 17 was definitely a bonus with that pin position,” Tavatanakit said. “I think it kind of got my momentum going, knowing 18 was an up tee, so I know I had a chance to get another birdie.”
PGA Tour
SAN ANTONIO – Ryan Palmer shot a bogey-free round of 6-under 66 at the Valero Texas Open to lead by two shots over Kevin Chappell, Dylan Frittelli and Matt Kuchar after Friday’s second round.
Palmer, at 10-under, surged into the lead with consecutive birdies midway through the back nine.
Chappell, the 2017 tournament winner, had the day’s low round of 65. Frittelli also got away with no bogeys during his 66, and Kuchar shot 69 with fourstraight birdies on the back.