Jeon In-ji Leads "Career Grand Slam in Sight"... Park In-bi 4th Place, 2 Strokes Behind

Major AIG Women's Open Day 2: 5-Under Surge, Buhae and Saxstrom Tied 2nd, Ko Jin-young 'Cut Off'

Jeon In-ji is teeing off on the first hole on the second day of the major AIG Women's Open. Muirfield (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Flying Dumbo’ Jeon In-ji (28) is sailing smoothly toward the history of the ‘Career Grand Slam.’

On the 6th (Korean time), at Muirfield in East Lothian, Scotland (par 71, 6,680 yards), the second day of the last major of this year’s LPGA Tour, the AIG Women’s Open (total prize money $7.3 million), she surged to the lead (8-under 134) by shooting 5-under par. Ashley Buhai (South Africa) and Madelene Saxstrom (Sweden) are tied for second place (7-under 135), while ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bi (34) is in fourth place (6-under 136), chasing closely.

Jeon In-ji started from a tie for fifth place, 3 strokes behind, and swept up 6 birdies (1 bogey). After exchanging a birdie on the 5th hole (par 4) for a bogey on the 6th hole (par 4), she changed the momentum with a birdie on the 9th hole (par 5). In the back nine, she added 4 more birdies on holes 11, 13, 15, and 17, placing her at the top of the leaderboard. She powered through with an average drive of 246 yards and 26 ‘stingy putts.’ Leading by one stroke, she is poised for the ‘Career Grand Slam,’ having won 4 of the 5 majors.

Park In-bee is making an iron shot on the 2nd hole on the second day of the major AIG Women's Open. Muirfield (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits

Jeon In-ji said with a bright smile, "Today, I received help from the wind," adding, "I think I should welcome the weekend with love for the wind, not hatred." 2015 champion Park In-bi reduced her score by 4 strokes with 5 birdies and 1 bogey. Her precise tee shots, missing the fairway only once, stood out. Rookie Hinako Shibuno (Japan), who was the leader the previous day, lost 2 strokes and dropped to a tie for 7th place (4-under 138). ‘US Women’s Open champion’ Minjee Lee (Australia) is also in this group.

South Korea’s newcomers including Choi Hye-jin (23), Kim Hyo-joo (27), and Lee Jeong-eun6 (26) are tied for 11th place (3-under 139), eyeing a rise to the top ranks. Kim A-rim (27) and Park Sung-hyun (29) are tied for 26th place (1-under 141), while Yoo So-yeon (32) and Ji Eun-hee (36) are tied for 35th place (even par 142). On the other hand, ‘Number 1’ Ko Jin-young (27) failed to reduce her score, recording 1 eagle, 1 birdie, and 3 bogeys. She was cut off, tied for 83rd place (5-over 147).