Ciganda returns with her trusted caddy, signs a 65 and is placed 3rd to two of the leaders

Carlota Ciganda was the main protagonist on the second day of the LPGA Drive On Championship, in Ocala (Florida), third tournament of the season in the LPGA Tour. The Navarrese golfer signed a spectacular round of 65 strokes, seven under par, for 136 (-8) and has placed third after delivering the best card of the day with two strokes of advantage over the next. Ciganda is two from Austin Ernst y Jennifer Kupcho, colídres, and who added 67 hits on Friday for the second consecutive round to tie at 10 under par. Ciganda played book in the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, with seven birdies without bogeys.

Completing the first five places, the American Nelly Korda, who won the Gainbridge LPGA last week, finished with 70 (-2) to 137 (-7), and Jenny Coleman, who scored 69 shots for 139 (-5) after two rounds.

Kupcho, who is aiming to win the first LPGA tournament of her career, was satisfied after overcoming the migraine that haunted her Thursday. “I have felt much better. The first day was pretty tough, ”Kupcho said. “I’ve been in the fray here before, so I went out, relaxed, and had fun. I think, especially with my new caddy (Patrick Smith) this year, we do a good job of having fun and relaxing. I think it will be a fun weekend, “he added.

Ciganda welcomed the return of his bag of clubs Terry McNamara, the caddy who was many years of the Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. He is working again with his fatigue partner between 2017 and 2020. With him the Navarrese got into the world top 10 in 2019. In 2020 they decided to separate their paths, since McNamara wanted to take a break. Then came the pandemic .. “We had four very good years together and with COVID last year I think he wanted to take a little break,” said Ciganda in mixed zone. “I always enjoy working with him. He’s very calm, experienced, very calm. That is what I need in the field ”, added the one from Ulzama.

The Spanish player took nine fairways and 16 greens, leaving many birdie options that she knew how to take advantage of. Highlight the five birdies he scored between holes 4 and 9, two of them on par 3. Carlota confirmed her card with two more birdies on holes 16 and 18.

Five players are tied for sixth at 4 under par, including 2020-21 LPGA Tour rookies. Patty Tavatanakit (70) and the Irish Leona Maguire (71).

A total of 71 players made the cut of 2 over par, including LPGA winner Drive On Championship-Inverness, Danielle Kang.

The malagueña Azahara Munoz (+4) didn’t make the cut after delivering a 75 hit card. Among those eliminated, highlight the world Number One, the South Korean Jin Young Ko.

Classification 2ª day (par 72):

134 Austin Ernst (USA) 67 67

    Jennifer Kupcho (USA) 67 67

136 Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 71 65

137 Nelly Korda (USA) 67 70

139 Jenny Coleman (USA) 70 69

140 Yu Liu Chn) 70 70

…

148 Azahara Muñoz (Esp) 73 75

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