'Major Champ' Cupcho Leads by 2 Shots: "I See My 2nd Win"... 'Number 2' Koda in Pursuit for 2nd Place

Meyer Classic Day 2 5-Under Par "Back-to-Back Storm Shots", Korea's Im Rim Lee Tied 24th Falters

Jennifer Kupcho is holing out at the 17th hole on the second day of the Meijer Classic. Grand Rapids, USA = Getty Images/Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Major Champ' Jennifer Kupcho is on a quest for her second victory.

On the 18th (Korean time), at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (par 72, 6,638 yards), the second day of the LPGA Tour's Meijer Classic (total prize money $2.5 million) concluded with Kupcho adding 5 under par, leading by 2 strokes at 14 under par 130. World No. 2 Nelly Korda (both from the USA) is in second place (12 under par 132), Carlota Ciganda (Spain) is third (11 under par 133), and Brooke Henderson (Canada) and Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden) are tied for fourth (10 under par 134) chasing behind.

Kupcho caused a stir by winning the first major of the 2022 season, the Chevron Championship, last April. She was the 'amateur number 1,' having won the 2018 NCAA Division Golf Championship and the 2019 Augusta National Women's Amateur, and passed the LPGA Q-Series as runner-up in November 2018, starting her professional career in 2019. After 61 attempts, she proudly rose to champion status on the major stage. It is surprising that she has not had a 'top 10' finish in the last six events.

Nelly Korda is executing a chip shot on the 16th hole of the second day of the Meyer Classic. Grand Rapids, USA = Getty Images/Multibits

However, in this tournament, she is riding a wave of momentum, shooting a stormy 9 under par on the first day with one eagle and seven birdies. On this day as well, she made five birdies and played 'no bogey' for two consecutive days. Korda is the player to watch. Having overcome thrombosis and returned after four months, she demonstrated her 'No. 2 power.' Korean players Im Lee-rim (32, NH Investment & Securities) and Yoo So-yeon (32) are tied for 24th place (5 under par 139), showing a subdued atmosphere. Park In-bi (34, KB Financial Group) and Park Sung-hyun (29) were 'cut off.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.