Steph Kyriacou has enlivened the faltering Australian challenge at the Women’s British Open with a superb second round of 68 on another blustery morning at St Andrews.
The 23-year-old got back to level par for the tournament at halfway with her four-under round on the Old Course as American world No.1 Nelly Korda took control of the season’s final major with a 68 of her own to move three shots clear of her pursuers.
Korda’s blemish-free round in tough conditions left her eight under, three ahead of her playing partners, British star Charley Hull (70) and US defending champion Lilia Vu (72).
The rounds of Kyriacou and Korda, along with the 68 of South African Casandra Alexander, were the best of Friday’s early wave, with the Sydneysider’s effort easily the standout display by any of the seven-strong Australian contingent, who struggled badly in the 65kph wind on Thursday.
Kyriacou had been the best of the bunch on opening day, recovering for a 76 despite slumping to five over in the first five holes.
But the rising LPGA star, who had finished runner-up at last month’s Evian Championship in France in her best major to date, was on her game from her starting 10th hole on Friday, recording five birdies in her first nine holes.
The highlight was her 50ft putt at the Road Hole 17th, as she reached the turn with three straight birdies. There were, though, a couple of blemishes on the inward nine, and she was frustrated to bogey the final hole.
“It feels really good, especially with no bogeys on there,” said Korda, after she drove on to the green at the par-four ninth hole, her last.
“Played solid golf today and finished with a birdie on the last hole again. Today, I hit it really well. It kind of feels really nice when it all clicks and everything is just flowing.
“It’s a great confidence boost. We’re just 36 holes in, there’s still a long way to go but when it’s clicking like that, it feels really nice,” added the 26-year-old, who was delighted with the new putter she’s using after enjoying a fine round with it in Wednesday’s pro-am.