Navistar LPGA Classic 2012: Mindy Kim fires 65 to share second position in second round
American Mindy Kim registered a 65 in the second round of Navistar LPGA Classic 2012, sharing the second position with South Korean M.J. Hur, who also carded a 65 on Friday.
Kim was not regarded as a favourite contender for the Navistar LPGA Classic 2012 being staged at Prattville, Alabama, United States, but her coming into contention in the second round surprised her fans and
rivals.
The American star opened the second round in impressive style as she drained a series of birdies early in the day, keeping most of the contenders at a distance.
Starting her round on the 10th hole, Kim shot five consecutive birdies to cement her position on the leaderboard. She then sank another birdie on the difficult par-3 16th holes. She,
however, bogeyed the 17th hole.
On the front nine, she looked firm because she avoided scoring any bogey, and posted two birdies.
The field at the Navistar LPGA Classic 2012 is strong, as most of the top-ranked Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) stars are participating in the hope of proving their mettle.
Sharing her thoughts at the end of the round on Friday, Kim said that she had to face a tough field in the first two rounds, but she managed to steer clear of big trouble thanks to her solid putting.
“My putter was really hot today right off the get‑go. I think making five birdies in a row really helped me. I had a couple hiccups in the middle of the round, but I kind of saved par and stuff like that,
so it's all good today,” the American golfer said.
“Actually, you know what, honestly, it really never ‑‑ this course doesn't really suit my game at all, but obviously this week I've been trying to tell myself that I like the golf course. I mean, it's in
great shape and I guess, you know, trying to be positive”.
Commentators said that by grabbing a strong position early in the tournament, Kim has put herself in a stronger position than most of her South Korean rivals.
American Lexi Thompson, who is the defending champion of the LPGA tournament, stunned her fans after she maintained the lead by shooting a 69 in the second round.
Thompson got off to a flying start in the tournament as she posted a 63 in the opening round.
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