Katsu Sets Record in Shanghai with 61: Leads LPGA Tournament

Minami Katsu Sets New Record in Shanghai

Japanese golfer Minami Katsu dazzled at the LPGA Shanghai tournament, setting a new course record with an impressive round of 61 strokes, eleven under par. Katsu achieved this feat on Friday, securing a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the championship. Katsu demonstrated his skill with six birdies in the first nine holes, and despite a bogey on the 10th hole, he continued his dominance with six additional birdies at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club. The 27-year-old player, with a cumulative score of 13 under par (131 strokes) after two rounds, is seeking her first victory on the circuit. “It was an almost perfect round, with a bit of luck, but overall very good,” commented Katsu. “My personal best was ten under par, so today I set a new record.”

Honestly, I am very happy with the record I made today. Obviously, we still have two days of play left, so there will probably be no celebration. I will try to keep it simple.

Minami Katsu

Ina Yoon, with a round of 68 strokes on Friday, placed second at 11 under par, one stroke ahead of Americans Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan (67). Jenny Bae, who aspired to the lead with 13 under par in the last group, suffered setbacks on the 18th hole. A shot in the bunker, followed by a drop and a shot into the water, resulted in a triple bogey 7, finishing with 69 strokes. Her second round included eight birdies, two bogeys, and the triple bogey. The leader from the previous night, Arpichaya Yubol, shot a round of 71 strokes, tying for fifth place with 9 under par, alongside Somi Lee (67) and Jeeno Thitikul (70). The event in Shanghai marks the beginning of a series of five tournaments in Asia, with stops in South Korea, including the International Crown team event, Malaysia, and Japan.