Australian Golfer Within Striking Distance at LA Event

Australian golfer Minjee Lee has advanced to within one stroke of the lead during the LPGA Tour's LA Championship. Her impressive performance came after a strong second round.

Lee completed the second round with a score of 7-under-par 65, which included seven birdies. Her consistent play at El Caballero Country Club has placed her in outright third place for the tournament.

Currently, Lee is 12-under overall, trailing the joint leaders, Ashleigh Buhai and Ingrid Lindblad. Lindblad, from Sweden, achieved a career-best score of 63 in the second round. Buhai, a South African Major winner, scored a 68.

Lee, aged 28, has a total of 10 LPGA Tour titles. She is aiming for her first victory on the LPGA Tour since October 2023. She previously won the LA Championship in 2019 when it was held at Wilshire Country Club. This year's tournament is being held at El Caballero due to renovations at Wilshire.

Lee attributed her successful second-round performance to a straightforward strategy. She focused on positioning herself well off the tee and executing accurate iron shots onto the greens. She also noted the larger landing areas on some of the greens.

Other Australian golfers, Hannah Green and Steph Kyriacou, are also in contention. Green, who is seeking her third consecutive LA Championship win, and Kyriacou are tied for 20th place at 8-under.