IRVINE, Scotland (AP) ā American golfer Megan Khang birdied her final hole to shoot 4-under 68 Friday and join Minjee Lee of Australia in a share of the lead at the Women's Scottish Open.
Both players were 8 under par overall and seeking their first wins of 2024.
They were two shots clear of three players ā Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko (69), Charley Hull of England (68) and Lauren Coughlin of the United States (69).
Khang made six birdies, including a chip-in. The last of them came in the final minutes of the day's play at Dundonald Links, with Lee already in the clubhouse after shooting 69 to follow up her 67 that gave her the first-round lead.
āIām really trying to have a lot of fun out there,ā the 22nd-ranked Khang said. āItās not often Iām hitting a 7-iron to a 116 (-yard) pin. Iām really comfortable with how my ball-striking is."
Lee, a two-time major champion, made birdie at Nos. 17 and 18, having picked up her other shots at Nos. 2 and 3 in a round played in strong winds.
āThe last few years, we probably havenāt had as much wind at the Scottish Open,ā Lee said, ābut I feel like weāre playing a true links-style course and conditions so itās a lot more fun.ā
Lee's last win was in October at the BMW Ladies Championship. Khang's came two months before that, meaning she is nearly a year without a title.
āIāve been hitting the ball pretty solid this entire year, and the difference has been making the putts," Khang said. āThis week I have been a little bit fortunate to make the putts. Itās just golf.ā
The top five have pulled clear of the rest of the field, with Mary Liu of China and Esther Henseleit ā the silver-medallist at the Paris Games ā tied for sixth place at 3 under, five off the lead.
Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., was the top Canadian after the second round at one over. Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., sat at 4 over after shooting a 73 on Friday.
The Scottish Open is the final stop before the Womenās British Open next week at St. Andrews.
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AP golf:
The Associated Press
