The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas, proved to be a challenging event for many players, with tough conditions leading to extended six-hour rounds and a challenging course setup at Fields Ranch East. The second-round scoring averaged 76.012, marking it as the second-highest average at an LPGA major in the last decade, indicating that only two holes managed to average under par.
Jeeno Thitikul, who has the chance to ascend to the world No. 1 ranking with a win, currently holds a three-shot lead at 6 under par following rounds of 68 and 70. She is ahead of two-time major champion Minjee Lee and Rio Takeda, who both posted solid rounds of 72 and 71, respectively. Lexi Thompson trails four shots behind the leader, highlighting a competitive yet difficult field, with only seven players finishing under par after the second round.
The cut line settled at 7 over par, meaning 78 players will advance to the weekend. Notably, the tournament saw the early exit of several prominent players, including Mao Saigo, the 2025 Chevron Championship winner, and last year’s KPMG Women’s PGA champion Amy Yang, both of whom missed the cut.
Former No. 1 Lilia Vu’s struggles continued as she missed her fourth consecutive cut this season after scores of 77 and 76. Additionally, fellow former top player Jin Young Ko withdrew from the tournament due to illness during her second round, after experiencing significant difficulties on the course and finishing with a double bogey on No. 12. Her performance this week followed a tie for 14th in the U.S. Women’s Open and a sixth-place finish at the Chevron Championship. Another withdrawal occurred when Hyo Joo Kim, also from South Korea, was forced to pull out due to an injury after nine holes.
This year’s tournament showcases the resilience and determination of the LPGA players, battling not only the competition but also challenging course conditions and personal hurdles. As the weekend approaches, the remaining players will look to navigate these difficulties, adding an exciting dynamic to the championship.
With many rounds left, it remains to be seen if Jeeno Thitikul can claim victory and potentially take the top spot in the world rankings, providing a hopeful narrative for fans and fellow competitors alike.