Schmelzel and Katsu lead in Arkansas with a spectacular finish, Lee surprises

Sarah Schmelzel and Minami Katsu Lead Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

Rogers, Ark. – Sarah Schmelzel staged an impressive comeback at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, moving from the middle of the pack to the lead in just five holes. Her performance on Friday included four consecutive birdies and an eagle, culminating in a score of 63 strokes, eight under par, tying Minami Katsu at the top of the leaderboard. Alison Lee also had an outstanding performance, finishing with a birdie and an eagle, one stroke behind the leaders. This result is especially significant for Lee, who is participating in her third tournament since returning to competition after giving birth to her son at the end of April. The overall low score at Pinnacle Country Club was a cause for concern for Schmelzel. Despite a slow start, with 34 strokes in the first nine holes and a total of two under par, he knew he was approaching holes with scoring opportunities, including short distances to the green and two par 5s.

You should have opportunities on all those holes because you have short clubs.

Sarah Schmelzel

Schmelzel hit several wedge shots close to the flag and holed a long birdie putt on the 17th hole. He finished his performance with a second shot that left him a good eagle opportunity. After 13 holes, he was two under par, but managed an impressive six under par in the last five holes. Katsu, for his part, distributed his eight birdies throughout a bogey-free round. Alison Lee’s performance surprised many. Lee, who played in the Solheim Cup while pregnant last year, returned to the competition this month, finishing 53rd in the Aramco Series event in Houston and missing the cut last week at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Lee believes that starting on Friday, in one of the two 54-hole LPGA events, helped her prepare.

I would say that in the last few weeks, when I started playing again, the strongest part of my game is my approach shots, my irons. Generally, I am good at hitting my numbers.

Alison Lee

This good result is an important step for Lee in her return to the circuit as a mother. Her son accompanies her in this stage. Lilia Vu, Nasa Hataoka, Carlota Ciganda, Leona Maguire, and Somi Lee also achieved a score of 64. Nelly Korda, who has yet to win this season after a successful year in 2024, couldn’t take advantage of the good scoring conditions. She scored 69 strokes and will start the second round closer to the cut line than the lead.