ERIN, Wis. — Mao Saigo already won her first major title this year. She’s putting herself in position for another at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Saigo shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to take the second-round lead at Erin Hills. At 8-under 136, the 23-year-old Japanese player had a three-stroke advantage over a group of six led by top-ranked Nelly Korda.
If Saigo maintains this pace, she would finish at 16 under to match the score Brooks Koepka had in winning the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in 2017. Koepka matched a U.S. Open record.
Saigo was asked whether 16 under might be within reach.
“It is very difficult to compare,” she said through an intepreter. “All I can say is that I will do my best, and as a result, I would like to make a good result.”
Saigo won the Chevron Championship in a playoff outside Houston just over a month ago for her first LPGA Tour title.
Korda, who has never finished higher than a tie for eighth in the U.S. Women’s Open, had a 67. That’s the best round she’s had in the event.
“I feel like I’ve had a very complicated relationship with U.S. Opens,” Korda said, “but I’m happy to be in the position I am heading into the weekend.”
She was 5 under with Hinako Shibuno (69), Sarah Schmelzel (68), Maja Stark (69), Yealimi Noh (71)…
