Ilhee Lee Leads ShopRite LPGA Classic After Rain-Affected Round

GALLOWAY, N.J. – Ilhee Lee carded a 68, three-under-par, on Saturday at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, in a day marked by interruption due to rain in the afternoon. With this performance, the South Korean golfer is positioned with a one-stroke lead over four competitors, heading into the final round.

After sharing the lead of the first round with Elizabeth Szokol, following a score of 63, Lee recovered from a double bogey on the eighth hole, a par 4, with a birdie on the ninth hole, a par 5. The 36-year-old South Korean player accumulated a total of 131 strokes, eleven under par, on the Bay Course at Seaview.

“Today was a totally different day, completely different, and I knew it was going to be completely different, so I had no expectations,” Lee commented. “Like yesterday, I was just playing golf. Having fun. I made some birdies on the first nine holes.”
Ilhee Lee

Lee, who won the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic in 2013, her only title on the circuit, expressed her enjoyment of the game.

“Now I know how fun this game is, so I’m enjoying golf,” she added.
Ilhee Lee

Elizabeth Szokol signed a card of 69 strokes, which placed her in a tie for second place in the 54-hole tournament, alongside American Jennifer Kupcho (64) and Japanese players Mao Saigo (65) and Ayaka Furue (66).

“I tried to remain patient all day,” Szokol stated. “Things didn’t go as well as yesterday, but I’m still playing very good golf.”
Elizabeth Szokol

Kupcho birdied the last two holes of her afternoon round.

“I think tomorrow can be a little better,” Kupcho commented. “I wasn’t hitting the ball very well off the tee, but at least here it’s manageable from the rough or fairway bunkers. I was just giving myself chances.”
Jennifer Kupcho

The world number two, Jeeno Thitikul, recorded her second round of 68 strokes, reaching 6 under par, while Nelly Korda was at 5 under par after a round of 66.

“I’m very happy with how I played today, the last two days,” Korda said. “It’s a tricky golf course. It keeps you on your toes all the time.”
Nelly Korda

Maja Stark, winner of the U.S. Women’s Open last week at Erin Hills, did not make the cut with rounds of 70 and 75 strokes. The defending champion, Linnea Strom, also missed the cut after recording 72-75.