By Newspot Nigeria Sports Desk
Erin Hills, Wisconsin—The 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally has lived up to expectations, serving drama, surprises, and brilliance on the vast slopes of Erin Hills. With the second round wrapping up Saturday morning due to weather delays, the leaderboard is crowded and the storylines are as rich as the Wisconsin air.
🌟 Korda and Saigo Take the Lead
World No. 1 Nelly Korda and Chevron Champion Mao Saigo share the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend at -5 under par. Korda rebounded strongly from an even-par opening round to card a stunning 5-under 67 on Friday, draining over 100 feet of putts and showing calm discipline.
Credit: Sky Sports
“This is the biggest test in the game of golf,” Korda reflected. “It’s tested me a lot, and I love it.”
Mao Saigo, meanwhile, is making a name for herself beyond Asia. After winning the Chevron Championship in April, she’s now hunting back-to-back majors. Her second round was nearly flawless—her only bogey came after an unlucky bounce off the flagstick. With her accuracy and poise, she’s officially on Grand Slam watch.
🏌🏽♀️ Lydia Ko’s Grand Slam Hopes Still Alive
Lydia Ko, chasing the elusive career Grand Slam, made up ground with a steady 1-under 71 on Friday after an opening 73. Her late birdie run on the back nine moved her up 22 spots on the leaderboard. A win this week would make her just the eighth golfer in LPGA history to win four different major championships.
“This is the one I want most,” Ko has said of the U.S. Women’s Open—her only missing major.
💥 The Dream Group Delivers, But Lexi Misses Out
The highly anticipated Thursday grouping of Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, and Lexi Thompson thrilled fans, though only Korda advanced. Lexi Thompson, playing in what may be her final U.S. Women’s Open, missed the cut with rounds of 73 and 74.
Thompson, who made history as the youngest-ever qualifier at age 12 in 2007, recently announced her retirement from full-time LPGA play. Her exit was emotional and symbolic—the close of an era in American women’s golf.
🌱 Youth Surge: Talley, Woad & Romero
A new wave of talent is also making headlines. With 26 amateurs in the field, players like Asterisk Talley (16), Lottie Woad, and Kiara Romero have kept pace with seasoned professionals. Talley, already a fan favorite, continues to show composure beyond her years.
🎯 Who’s Surprising?
- Sarah Schmelzel is within striking distance—just a few shots off the lead—despite having no major top-10s before 2024.
- Gemma Dryburgh has quietly climbed into contention with smart, composed play.
- Yuka Saso, last year’s champion, and Brooke Henderson missed the cut, along with Lilia Vu, once considered a front-runner for this year.
🗞️ Bonus Stories Off the Course
- 🏀 Caitlin Clark received a pink left-handed driver from Bubba Watson last week—a heartwarming gift that lit up social media.
- 🐅 Tiger Woods’ office got a digital walk-through by Will Lowery, revealing photos, staff bags, and a surprising Masters mini-hoop that screamed “relatable legend.”
- 📱 The U.S. Women’s Open’s social media team continues to set the standard with elite graphics, behind-the-scenes moments, and beautiful course coverage.
As the field narrows to the top 60 and ties, the weekend promises tension, brilliance, and legacy-defining moments. Can Korda finally win the elusive crown? Will Saigo shock the world with back-to-back majors? Could Ko complete her Grand Slam?
🎯 Stay with Newspot Nigeria for the most insightful and up-to-date coverage of the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open from Erin Hills.
#USWomensOpen #NellyKorda #MaoSaigo #LydiaKo #LexiThompson #ErinHills #WomenInGolf #LPGA #AsteriskTalley #NewspotNigeria
