BELLAIRE, Fla. — Lynne Grant shot a 7-under 63 at Anika on Friday to share the lead with Grace Kim. Defending champion Nelly Korda made a big breakthrough with a 63, but Kai Trump was still far behind in last place, despite increasing his lead by eight strokes.
“It was very, very solid. I hit some really good shots,” said Grant, the Swede who won his only LPGA Tour title at the 2023 Dana Open. “The tee-to-green was very good today. I felt like I played the same way yesterday, but I didn’t make any putts, and today I made a lot of putts.”
Kim shot a 66 at Pelican Golf Club to tie with Grant at 9-under 131. Kim won her first major title at the Evian Championships in France in July and was instrumental in Australia’s recent international crown.
“I just kept up my mojo,” Kim said. “I just tried to hit a lot of fairways and make a lot of putts. That probably helped me hit it closer today and get an easier birdie. I think I really stayed in my lane.”
Trump is the granddaughter of President Donald Trump. The high school senior, playing on a sponsor exemption, shot a 75 after starting with an 83. After 18 overs, he was at the bottom of the 108 players by six strokes.
“I was really nervous the first day,” she said. “I think the nerves came through. When I came out today, I honestly felt very calm and peaceful. That’s why I played better.”
First-round leader Heran Liu followed up her early 64 with a 68, dropping her to a tie for third place with Jennifer Kupcho (66) at 8 under. Gabby Lopez shot a 64 for 7 under.
Korda birdied the final three holes to move to 6 under.
“I just took advantage of my good shots,” Korda said. “Actually, I didn’t play bad at all yesterday. I went to the practice range after the game and then I went to the putting green and I just said to myself, ‘It’s a fresh day and you never know what’s going to happen.'” I came out and started taking advantage of better shots a little more. ”
Korda won last year’s tournament, becoming the first player in 13 years to win seven games in a season. She hasn’t won yet this year.
Auston Kim (65) also finished at 6 under, along with Carlota Ciganda (65) and Lauren Coughlin (66).
The top 60 finishers in the “Race to CME Globe” will qualify for next week’s season finale, the CME Group Tour Championship, where all 60 will win $2 million in prize money.