Becky Morgan has taken control at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, firing a 5-under 68 on Friday to claim the second-round lead at San Diego Country Club. The Welsh golfer sits at 4-under 142 overall, bouncing back impressively after Thursday’s opening 74.
It’s a significant moment for Morgan in her championship debut. “This is my first one, having turned 50 last September,” she said. “I like the course. It’s quite tricky. You’ve really got to hit the fairways, sort of get it in the right part of the greens, and today my putter was working, so it was good.”
First-round leader Annika Sorenstam struggled mightily on Friday, stumbling to a 78 that dropped her six shots off the pace. It’s a dramatic reversal after her strong opening performance.
Morgan’s 68 was one of just two sub-70 rounds posted over the first two days at Chula Vista, highlighting the challenge of this demanding layout. Ashli Bunch matched that mark with a 69 to climb into a tie for fourth.
Maria McBride and Corina Kelepouris are giving chase just one stroke behind Morgan. McBride carded a solid 70, while Kelepouris posted a 71 to reach 3-under overall.
1988 U.S. Women’s Open champion Liselotte Neumann remains in the hunt at 2-under after a 71. She’s joined at that mark by Bunch and Moira Dunn-Bohls, who shot 73.
Juli Inkster, one of the most decorated players in the field, added a 73 to her opening 75, leaving her tied with Sorenstam at 2-over and still within striking distance.
World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb sits at 3-over following rounds of 73 and 76 in her first appearance in this championship.
