Women’s top ranking within Lewis’ reach
Stacy Lewis moved into position to take the top spot in the world, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 63 yesterday to match the 36-hole record in the ShopRite LPGA Classic in Galloway Township, N.J.
Lewis, ranked second in he world, had a 12under 130 total on the Bay Course at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club.
A victory today would guarantee Lewis the No. 1 ranking, which Inbee Park has held for 59 weeks after taking it from Lewis. Park, playing in the windier afternoon session, had three bogeys on her final five holes to shoot 70 and fall six strokes behind Lewis.
“It would be huge,” Lewis said. “I was only there for four weeks last year, so I never really got to enjoy it. I definitely want to get back because I know kind of more now what to expect with it. Honestly, I’m kind of tired of hearing all the scenarios and hearing everybody talk about it. I would like to take care of that here this week.”
Christina Kim was a stroke back after 67.
First-round leader Jennifer Johnson followed her course-record 62 with a 70 to finish at 10 under.
“When you shoot your lowest round ever, it’s hard to follow that up,” Johnson said. “Everything went my way yesterday and nothing was dropping today.”
Lewis also had shot 130 through two rounds at the ShopRite Classic in her 2012 victory.
“I like this golf course and the fans just seem to come out of the woodwork for this tournament,” Lewis said. “It’s awesome.”
Lewis came on strong in the second round after admitting she felt “uncomfortable over the ball” during her first nine holes Friday.
“I know my game is in a good place,” Lewis said.
Champions Tour
Doug Garwood shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the second round of the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.
Garwood had an 11under 133 total. Michael Allen was second after a 66.
Mark Calcavecchia and Tom Pernice Jr. were 9 under. Calcavecchia had a 69, and Pernice shot 67.
European Tour
Henrik Stenson shot an 8-under 64 to share the third-round lead with England’s Eddie Pepperell at the Nordea Masters in Malmo, Sweden. Stenson, ranked second in the world, and Pepperell, who shot 65, are at 13-under 203.