Brett Lasky on the LPGA Website
March 17, 2018: Aditi Ashok scored an even 72 in the second round of the Founders Cup at the Wildfire Golf Club. The Indian reached the halfway stage at T39, two under 142. An eagle on the 13th hole helped Cydney Clanton take charge before a birdie on 18 gave her sole possession of the 36-hole lead at 9-under, 135. Scores of 68 and 67 gave Clanton her first ever taste of the lead going into the weekend.
“I played really good and made some clutch putts coming in,” said Clanton. “The hole out was pretty special, any time you don’t have to putt is nice.” She sank her eagle from nearly 75 yards.
“I haven’t been in this position in a long time. I won back in 2013 (on the Symetra Tour) and wasn’t even in the lead at all that tournament. Just came back and won. It has been awhile since I’ve been in the lead, so tomorrow (Saturday) just going to take it one shot at a time, one hole at a time.”
Clanton, a rookie in 2012, has four career top 10 finishes, but no wins.
Behind Clanton, there’s a logjam highlighted by Ariya Juanugarn, who turned in a second straight 68 to share second at 8-under, 136.
Marina Alex, who shared the low round of the day at 66, is also at 8-under along with Karine Icher and Mariajo Uribe.
Jutanugarn made five birdies against just one bogey but said she didn’t have her best stuff.
“I actually didn’t hit it that well today, maybe I had some luck (on my side),” explained Jutanugarn. “I still had so much fun out there and I’m working on my commitment.”
Alex, who finished in a tie for fifth in Australia, posted a bogey-free round with three birdies on the front and three on the back.
Jessica Korda and Mo Martin are two back while Michelle Wie and Brittany Lincicome are part of five players at 6-under and three back.
She won the British Open the following year and that remains the lone win of her career. Comfort with the putter may change that this weekend.
The growing crowd at Wildfire Golf Club that was wrapped from midway down the fairway on both sides and packed behind the green waiting with anticipation as Michelle Wie readied her 15-footer at her last, number nine. As she struck the putt, excitement grew as the line was perfect and the ball rolled right in to stamp a 4-under, 68 to get to 6-under through two rounds.
She was in a share of second midway through round two.
“That putt felt good, I felt like I was misreading a lot of putts so it felt good to read them right on holes seven and nine,” explained Wie. “It always feels good to end with a birdie.”
Wie made six birdies in round two and attempted only 27 putts.
“I had a lot of fun out there today, I felt like I made some stupid errors, but made up for them with some good putts,” said the 28-year-old. “I’m definitely ready for the weekend.”
Wie has now been under-par in 10 of her 13 rounds this season. Her only over-par round was in the Bahamas at the season opener.
“I’m just trying to build confidence every round and every shot,” said Wie. “I’m also trying to keep it consistent.”
The confidence is building and the Tour is certainly taking notice. Wie has been 4-under or better in over half her rounds this season – 7 of 13.
