Low scores have always been the rule at the LPGA Thailand event — the average winning score over the past 10 years has been 21 under par and low scores were once again the order of the day on Thursday at the Siam Country Club.
American Jennifer Kupcho put together a bogey-free, seven-under par 65 that included an eagle at the par five 10th hole and a birdie-birdie finish to her round.
Kupcho was joined at the top lby Anna Nordqvist, Nasa Hataoka, Xiyu Lin and Thai native Jaravee Boonchant.
Boonchant is a rookie who earned her tour card at the LPGA Tour’s Q-School last December. The last winner of this event from Thailand was Ariya Jutanugarn in 2021.
World No. 1 Lydia Ko, winner of her last start, the Saudi International on the Ladies European Tour, was in solid contention after a first round 68. World No. 2 Nelly Korda shot a 68 of her own to put herself in contention.
On day two, Korda added a 66 to that opening 68 to get to 10-under and two back of halfway leader, Thailand native Natthakritta Vongtaveelap. A 65 got her to a lofty 12-under through two rounds. Sweden’s Maja Stark was a shot back at 11-under and four others joined Korda at minus 10.
Ko shot 68 for the second straight day and was four back at eight-under par. An even par round left Kupcho five shots behind the leader.
