Soo Bin Joo Dominates Windy Conditions to Extend Lead at ShopRite LPGA

GALLOWAY, N.J. (AP) — Soo Bin Joo excelled in challenging, windy conditions along the Atlantic coast on Friday, posting a 3-under 68 and finishing the day with a four-shot advantage at the ShopRite LPGA. She capped off her round with a long two-putt birdie on the 18th hole, bringing her total to 8-under 134 after two rounds at the Seaview Hotel.

The South Korean golfer, who secured her only professional victory on the Epson Tour two years ago, acknowledged a shift in her game plan amid the blustery weather. “I was barely making pars on the golf course today, and yesterday was like going for birdies on every single hole,” Joo remarked. “So different game plan and a different mindset. I think that put me in a good position today.”

Chizzy and Aki Iwai, the Japanese twin sisters, both managed to shoot 68, placing them among a group of players four strokes behind Joo. Other contenders included Celine Boutier from France, who finished with a 72, South Korea's Somi Lee at 69, and Laetitia Beck of Israel, who fell from the lead with a 75. Beck reflected on her difficulties, stating, “Today was extremely windy, so definitely was much harder to judge club selections, and putts were also much harder. That’s where I pretty much struggled today. I didn’t make putts.”

In contrast, Joo showed impressive control, needing only 25 putts throughout her round. She noted an early concern after stumbling on the first hole, saying, “I almost shank my 3-wood on the first tee... I knew that it was going to play as a different golf course, like a totally different golf course comparing to yesterday.” The windy conditions affected many players, with eight unable to break 80, while only 11 managed to score below 70, most of whom played in the morning hours before the wind intensified.

Charley Hull, the lone player from the top 10 in the world rankings, struggled and missed the cut after rounds of 74 and 75. The ShopRite LPGA features a 54-hole format and has seen a weaker field this year, partly due to its scheduling just before the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera in Los Angeles. The cut line was set at 3-over 145.

Currently ranked No. 252 globally, Joo is eager to claim her first LPGA title. “I started playing golf because I want to win a tournament on LPGA, so it will be super fun, very exciting,” she shared, adding with a laugh, “But right now I just want to get a hot shower. So cold, yeah. Freezing.”