Lexi Thompson didn’t like the way she’s been putting so she changed everything, including her putter.
Her new flatstick worked out well for her Friday at the ANA Inspiraiton and she tied the 36-hole lead in the season’s first major for the LPGA.
Thompson shot 68 and posted seven-under par along with first-round leader Ai Miyazato at the halfway mark after two trips around Mission Hills Country Club.
“I basically changed everything,” she said as she put a Cure RX5 putter in her bag and it cured her putting woes. “Putting is all about confidence,” Thompson said after shooting 68 on day two.
Miyazato finished late in the afternoon wave and added 70 to her opening 67.
Lydia Ko, the world’s No. 1-ranked player, made her move on Friday with a 68 that got her within a shot of the lead going into the weekend. She’s one of four at six-under, including American Lizette Salas.
Michelle Wie will have a shot at a second major title, she’s at five-under after shooting 69. Stacy Lewis was one of six players at four-under.
