Carlota Ciganda and Katherine Kirk both found a way to shine at Reynolds Lake Oconee, shooting the low rounds of the day with second-round 65s at the LPGA Drive On Championship. With a score like that, Ciganda said it makes sense that all parts of her game seemed to worked well on Friday.
“Pretty much everything [was working]. I think the putting was key, making a few more putts. I hit both par-5s in two, so that was a two-putt birdie an of par-5s. But then I made a couple good putts,” said Ciganda. “I mean, I still hit it close to like four, five feet, but then I made a nice 20-footer on 6.”
Ciganda’s round included a string of birdies on her front nine – six straight, from Nos. 2-7. After recording one more on No. 12, her finish put Ciganda in a tie for seventh, jumping 57 spots from the previous day. Kirk, who went off in Friday’s afternoon wave, ended the day with seven birdies and one bogey, moving from a tie for 45th to a tie for fifth. Kirk said she was most thankful to get off to a solid start with four of those birdies through Nos. 2-6.
“I felt comfortable from the get-go. I felt comfortable yesterday, to be honest, as well. I only made two birdies all day which was unusual for me because I usually make a lot and throw in a few mistakes, too,” said Kirk. “Just nice to get off to that good start and keep it rolling. There is plenty of chances out there. It's just a matter of staying patient and attacking pins that are more accessible, which I did pretty well.”
PLAYING IN THE AFTERNOON? THEN KANG IS SET FOR SATURDAY IN GEORGIA
Some folks are morning people, some are not. For the only two-time winner of the 2020 season thus far, Danielle Kang prefers playing in the afternoon. Compared to her first-round 65 when Kang teed off after 1 p.m., she finished the second day 2-under and at 9-under overall. Still, Kang finished her day in a tie for second, one stroke behind Mississippian Ally McDonald.
“I think I prefer afternoon rounds, to be honest. I like it when I'm warm, I'm all warmed up and ready to go. I don't like the cold. So early morning wake-ups are tough on me. I like sleep,” said Kang.
A new course for everyone this week at Great Waters, Kang’s strategy is to continue to take it day by day.
“I think trying to get a feel for the golf course as early as possible will be really helpful for me. Teeing off tomorrow in the afternoon, so the golf course is going to play different again tomorrow to today,” said Kang. “I think it's just getting to know the golf course every day a little bit better and better.”
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