Aussie star well placed in pursuit of maiden major victory — LPGA Wrap

Australia’s Grace Kim is well placed heading into the weekend of the LPGA’s Evian Championship with the 24-year-old searching for her first major.

Australia’s Grace Kim is well placed heading into the weekend of the LPGA’s Evian Championship with the 24-year-old searching for her first major.

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Kim was one of five players who were in a five-way tie at the summit overnight, but after a three-under par 68 on Friday, the Aussie is just one shot behind Lee So-mi.

Kim’s Aussie compatriots Gabriela Ruffles (-6) and Minjee Lee (-5) are also in the hunt.

Lee So-mi surged into a one-stroke lead through two rounds after shooting a six-under-par 65 on Friday.

The 26-year-old carded six birdies and an eagle in the lowest round of the day to go top of the leaderboard on 10-under.

Lee has only once finished in the top 10 at a major, sharing eighth place at last month’s Women’s PGA Championship.

“Tee shots are really important on this course, but mine weren’t great today,” admitted Lee. “But I managed to make up for it with some solid putting.”

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE – JULY 11: Grace Kim of Australia sits on tee box 14 while waiting to play during Round Two of The Amundi Evian Championship 2025 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 11, 2025 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Lee is coming off a victory alongside compatriot Im Jin-hee in the LPGA Dow Championship pairs event in Michigan.

“I’m trying to put the last tournament behind me and focus on the present,” she said.

“Right now, I’m concentrating on my putter and driver, keeping my rhythm – and we’ll see where that takes me.” Kim signed for a steady 68 featuring four birdies and a bogey, with American Jennifer Kupcho, a former runner-up in the Evian, one shot further back after going round in 69.

“I knew how punishing this course can be, so I just focused on hitting fairways and greens. I kept things simple, and it paid off today,” said Kim.

Three players sit in a tie for fourth place, with South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, South Korea’s Choi Hye-jin and American Andrea Lee all on seven-under for the tournament.

Australian Gabriela Ruffels and Ireland’s Leona Maguire, among the leading pack on Thursday, both dropped back after signing for even-par 71s.

World number one Nelly Korda is five strokes off the pace following a one-under 70 in round two.

The American is targeting a third major title and first since last year’s Chevron.

Korda started poorly with two bogeys and then a double bogey on the 16th hole before finding some form on the front nine, where she made three birdies to claw back into contention.

Originally published as Aussie star well placed in pursuit of maiden major victory — LPGA Wrap