Alison Lee, a native of Los Angeles, unexpectedly holds a shared lead with China's Ruoning Yin at the U.S. Women's Open following the second round on Friday. Lee's exceptional performance, highlighted by a 3-under-par 68, propelled her to 4-under 138 at the tournament's halfway point. Yin mirrored her first-round success with another 69, joining Lee at the top of the leaderboard. This pair stands a single stroke ahead of six other golfers, all tied at 3-under par, making for a thrilling competition as the event progresses into the weekend. Among the strong contenders, world No. 1 Nelly Korda significantly improved her standing with the day's lowest round, a 4-under 67, advancing to 2-under overall.
The tournament has also seen the emotional farewell of Michelle Wie West from full-time competition. Despite missing the cut by three strokes after rounds of 75 and 74, the 2014 champion expressed her enjoyment of participating in her final U.S. Women's Open. Her return to the major stage, three years post-retirement, was marked by nerves but ultimately filled with special moments, especially competing at Riviera. Other notable players like Jennifer Kupcho, Hinako Shibuno, and Gaby Lopez remain in close pursuit, ensuring a captivating battle for the championship title.
Lee's Resurgent Performance and Personal Milestones
Alison Lee, the veteran golfer from Los Angeles, surprised many by claiming a share of the lead at the U.S. Women's Open. Her second-round score of 3-under 68 at the historic Riviera Country Club brought her total to 4-under 138. This strong showing marks a significant moment for Lee, who has only two top-10 finishes in her 44 previous major appearances. Her journey back to top-tier golf is particularly poignant, as she missed all five majors in 2025 due to the birth of her first son. Lee's ability to grind through challenging conditions, particularly after an even-par first day, underscores her determination and skill, placing her in contention alongside the sport's elite.
Lee's unexpected ascent to the leaderboard was fueled by a remarkable second round, where she recorded four birdies against just one bogey. She notably led the field in strokes gained on approach, demonstrating precision and control. Reflecting on her performance, Lee admitted that leading into Saturday would have seemed unbelievable after a difficult front nine on Thursday, where she struggled with missed fairways and greens. The support of her partner and their one-year-old son, Levi, on the course, along with numerous ticket requests from friends and family, added a special layer of motivation. For Lee, competing in front of her loved ones in her hometown of Los Angeles transforms the pressure into a truly special experience, reminiscent of her early years on tour in 2015.
Yin's Major Ambitions and Korda's Ascent
Ruoning Yin, at just 23 years old, is aiming for her second major championship after previously securing the 2023 Women's PGA Championship. Her consistent play at the U.S. Women's Open has been impressive, culminating in a bogey-free second round. This stellar performance followed a first round where she managed five birdies despite three bogeys, highlighting her resilience and ability to recover. Yin acknowledged the inherent pressure of the U.S. Open, jokingly remarking on the constant stress but embracing it as a privilege that comes with competing at such a high level. Her composed approach positions her as a formidable challenger for the title, underscoring her potential to add another major to her burgeoning career.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda also made a significant move up the leaderboard, delivering the day's lowest score with a 4-under 67. This round dramatically shifted her position from over par on the first day to 2-under overall, setting her up for a strong weekend run. Korda's performance was characterized by her ability to birdie all three par-5 holes at Riviera, along with the par-4 seventh and ninth, with only a single bogey on the par-4 12th. Her exceptional form this season, which includes three victories and a major title at the Chevron Championship, demonstrates her dominance in women's golf. Korda attributed her success to maintaining an easygoing attitude and focusing on relaxed play, allowing her to perform at her peak without dwelling on mistakes, a strategy that could prove crucial in the final rounds of the U.S. Women's Open.
