Celine Boutier navigated shifting winds and a demanding course Friday to surge into contention during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open.

The Frenchwoman carded five birdies against a single bogey to post a 4-under-par 68, moving into solo fourth place as afternoon conditions worsened for the rest of the field. The six-time LPGA Tour winner utilized an early start time to outpace the elements.

"I think the course is pretty challenging," Boutier said. "I feel like because I was first off this morning, I was able to take advantage of the first few holes that were less windy, and then it started picking up in the middle of my front nine.

"I'm definitely glad to be done right now because it's picked up even more. And I feel like it's a course where you have to be really strong from the tee to green, so I think you have to have a very complete game to be able to score well."

The morning was quite chilly, but by midday, the wind shifted and started to pick up. Boutier said that the breeze had begun "blowing quite hard" by the time she finished her round, emphasizing the need for precision around the greens.

"I feel like it's a course where you have to be really strong from the tee to green, so I think you have to be a very complete game to be able to score well," she added.

While her immediate focus remains on the leaderboard at Mountain Ridge Country Club, Boutier also addressed the recent announcement that she will join the WTGL. The move marks a shift toward a team-based format, a departure from the individual nature of the LPGA Tour.

"I think it's going to be such a fun experience and definitely something that's not the usual golf that we're used to," Boutier said regarding the new venture. "Very looking forward to having a team format as well, which is something we kind of miss a little bit out here".

Boutier enters the weekend well-positioned to chase her seventh career title, relying on the veteran experience that has already secured her place among the game's elite.

Celine Boutier Takes Advantage of Early Start in Second Round of the Mizuho Americas Open

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