Miyu Yamashita Dominates the Women’s British Open
Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita shone at the Women’s British Open, solidifying her lead with an outstanding performance on the Royal Porthcawl course. Yamashita, who started and finished her round with short putts for birdie, demonstrated impeccable precision, achieving an impressive 65 (-7) on Friday’s round. This outstanding performance gave her a three-stroke lead over Rio Takeda, her Japanese compatriot, heading into the weekend. Both players, ranked among the top 15 in the women’s world ranking, shared a group in the second round, offering a high-level spectacle. Their precise strokes and accurate putts left the rest of the competitors at a considerable distance. Takeda was the only player who stayed within seven strokes of Yamashita. Nelly Korda (72) and promising English star Lottie Woad (70) placed among the top ten positions, but were nine strokes behind the leader at the halfway point of the tournament.Yamashita, without errors on his scorecard, displayed his best game with four birdies in five holes around the turn, taking advantage of the favorable morning conditions before the wind intensified.There was much more good than bad. I played really well for 17 holes; just that hole cost me a bit.
Lottie Woad
Takeda, with two LPGA titles, including last year’s Toto Japan Classic, was held back by a couple of bogeys. However, she recovered with an excellent approach on the 9th hole, achieving an eagle. Her final card was a 69.I didn’t make any particular adjustments to my swing, but the wind was strong, so I think the shots are important, as is club selection and the direction I aim at the target. I played keeping in mind the image I’ve been practicing until now.
Miyu Yamashita
Yamashita, who will celebrate his 24th birthday on Saturday, closed the day with a total of 11 under par (133). Chiara Tamburlini, from Switzerland, and Pajaree Anannarukarn, from Thailand, signed cards of 69, tying for third place with a total of 4 under par (140), along with American Lindy Duncan (70). The tournament cut was shaping up at 2 over par (146). Brooke Henderson, from Canada, was on the cut line until she missed a 4-foot putt on the windy 17th hole and failed to birdie the final hole. Also missing the cut were Ruoning Yin (77), Rose Zhang (76) and Maja Stark (78). Yani Tseng, from Taiwan, two-time Women’s British Open champion and former world number 1, made the cut in a major for the first time in eight years, with a round of 73. Korda, despite not having won this year, remains the world’s number 1 and now faces a considerable challenge with a nine-stroke deficit for the last 36 holes.I was able to play calmly today, and I hope to focus on my game and play calmly again tomorrow.
Rio Takeda
Woad, who was close to the leaders until a mistake on the 16th hole cost him dearly. After a bad shot with his 3-wood, which sent it into the high grass, and a triple bogey, Woad closed with two pars for a 70, a result that would otherwise be satisfactory.Honestly, I didn’t really capitalize on anything in the calmer conditions in the first nine; then, the wind picked up on the second nine. I made a few more mistakes, but I recovered with some birdies. Overall, I’m not going to complain with par.
Nelly Korda
Yamashita, who topped the Japan LPGA money list in 2022 and 2023, with five victories in each season, and who was also one stroke away from a playoff for the bronze medal at last year’s Paris Olympics, focuses on maintaining her rhythm in the wind.I would certainly accept it now, but not when I was on the 16th tee. Yes, I just have to try to play well over the weekend. It’s pretty tight, so I can move up a bit.
Lottie Woad
Until now, I haven’t been particularly concerned about expected scores. I’m always thinking about competing for a high ranking in each tournament, and I just played thinking about my day. I’m glad that my score and ranking have worked out.
Miyu Yamashita
