Shibuno leads going into weekend at year’s 1st LPGA major

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno on Friday took a second-round lead at the Chevron Championship, the first major on this season’s LPGA Tour.

The 2019 Women’s British Open winner, starting 10th after first-round 69, carded seven birdies and one bogey for the day’s best score of 6-under 66 at Mission Hills Country Club to log a two-round total of 9-under.

Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand sits a stroke behind, accompanied by Americans Annie Park and Jennifer Kupcho.

“My aim was to make the cut, so I’ve placed myself above where I expected myself to be,” said Shibuno, who had a flying start after landing her second shot from 100 meters right near the pin on the first hole.

The 23-year-old had four birdies in the first six holes and although she three-putted for a bogey on No. 8, birdies on her next two holes saw her quickly recover from the blip.

Hinako Shibuno of Japan hits off the sixth tee during the second round of the Chevron Championship golf tournament on April 1, 2022, at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Shibuno failed to hit the green in regulation only three times during the second round and only missed three fairways as she kept up a torrid pace throughout the day.

“I got my revenge from last year,” said Shibuno, who came 51st in 2020 before failing to make the cut last year. “I have a bit of confidence building inside me compared to before.”

Fellow Japanese Ayaka Furue sits in 29th at 2-under for the tournament, while Nasa Hataoka and Yuka Saso scraped into the weekend at the 1-over cut line.

At 5-over, Sakura Yokomine could not do the same, with her tournament ending after two rounds.