Round One of the 2023 Senior LPGA Championship was suspended due to weather at 3:19 p.m. ET after several delays throughout the day. When play resumed at 9 a.m. ET on Friday, the weather was almost the exact opposite of the day prior. With little to no wind and blistering heat, the field of 72 had a long day of golf ahead of them from the moment the first ball was struck.
When round one was completed, Audra Burks stood alone on top after posting a 69 (-3) that included six birdies. After making the turn at one over, the Arkansas native would not have another blemish on her card. She would rattle off four birdies on her back nine to take a one-shot lead heading into round two. Burks first qualified for the LPGA Tour after finishing third on the 1999 Epson Tour money list. In her LPGA Tour career, Burks finished in the top 10 five times and will look to add a 2023 Senior LPGA Championship to her resume.
"I am in survival mode, that's all," said Burks. "Just trying to conserve as much energy as I can and get around the best I can. The golf course is in great shape considering the weather that came through, so hats off to the greens crew out here. Playing 36 holes today will be a challenge and probably the first time I have done that since I was on the LPGA Tour."
After a long Friday, the second round of the 2023 Senior LPGA Championship has come to a close. As the sun set at Sultan's Run Golf Club, two familiar names made their way to the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round.
Trish Johnson turned in the tournament's best round so far, with a 6-under (66) that included seven birdies. Johnson found her groove on No. 4 and made all seven birdies in a ten-hole stretch, ending with a string of three straight on No. 13. The London native moved the lead to 8-under for the tournament but is aware the tournament is anything but over.
"There is still a long way to go tomorrow," said Johnson. "I mean, Webby (Karrie Webb) is only three behind right now; I am not counting any of my chickens at all. I am just going to go and put out another low round because the more Webby plays, the better she gets, so I need to get to at least -10. I am just going to have to play good again tomorrow."
Johnson already has two Stephen L. Ferguson Trophies in her collection and will look to add a third when she walks off No. 18 tomorrow. With a win, Johnson would have won half of the Senior LPGA Championships that have been contested. She attributes her excellent play this week to her putting, which is the part of her game she has dedicated most of her time to.
"I think when I putt well, and I am putting very well, I am tough to beat," said Johnson. "I did quite a lot of putting work last week, just put in a lot of hours at the studio, and I think I am reaping the rewards because of that."
Karrie Webb will try to track down Johnson when the final round starts early Saturday morning. Webb will start the day three shots back after a second-round 68 (-4) moved her to -5 for the tournament. With a win, Webb would be the first player to win back-to-back Senior LPGA Championships and tie Johnson with two trophies. It was a long day on the course for the seven-time major champion, but she was trying to stay within striking distance with 18 holes to play.
"I don't remember the last time I played 32 holes in a day," said Webb. "I'm glad we had carts because it's hot, and this course is a challenge for sure. Trish made a lot of putts, and I just didn't want to fall too far behind."
Jackie Gallagher-Smith made a jump up the leaderboard in her second round. The Indiana native signed for a 67 (-5) and moved her into a tie for fourth place at -3 for the tournament. Gallagher-Smith won once on the LPGA Tour at the 1999 Giant Eagle LPGA Classic. She will need another low round to catch the leaders, and she will have the support of the Indiana crowd when she hits her first tee shot on Saturday.
"I mean, I am back home again," said Gallagher-Smith. "I felt really good out there, especially in the second round. I got into a rhythm with my irons, and I was striking them really good with good distance control. I feel like I was more aggressive in the second round and just had good numbers for my clubs. I will see what I can do tomorrow."
Rounding out the top of the leaderboard for the 2023 Senior LPGA Championship is Becky Morgan, who is currently T2 at -5 for the tournament. Due to forecasted inclement weather, the final round of the 2023 Senior LPGA Championship will be a two-tee start on Saturday, July 1, with competitors playing in groups of three. Tee times will go off in a reverse horseshoe fashion based on the player's score after the second round. Play will begin at 7:30 a.m. ET off both 1 and 10 tees, with the leaders teeing off in the last group on hole No. 1, which is anticipated at 9:20 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase at www.sultansrun.com/2023-senior-lpga-championship. One-day tickets are $15.
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