For the first time in what seems like forever, women from the United States are totally dominating an LPGA event.
The Pure Silk Bahamas Classic was the setting Friday for record performances by first round leader Brittany Lincicome and Lexi Thompson.
Lincicome, who opened with a 64 on Thursday, went low again on Friday on the Ocean Club course and shot 65, giving her a 129 total, a tournament record that is six shots better than the previous mark. At 17-under par, she held on to her lead but only by a shot thanks to an impressive showing from Thompson.
Thompson shot her career best — a 12-under par 61 on a day where she said: “I was just pin-seeking the whole day.” She was only two off the magic number of 59, reached by only one LPGA player and that was Annika Sorenstam. Thompson admitted afterward that the thought of shooting 59 never crossed her mind.
As for Lincicome, once again, it was the story of a hot putter that stayed hot. “Putter is on point right now and it’s exciting to see,” she said.
With Lincicome at 17-under and Thompson at 16-under, it would be exciting enough but American players are also lined up right behind them.
Gerina Piller had nine top 10 finishes last year but is still waiting for her first win. She is alone in third after rounds of 67-65 that got her to 14-under par at the halfway mark.
Stacy Lewis worked her way to solo fourth after rounds of 66-67.
