Mirim Lee Pads Edge in Founders Cup


Mirim Lee showed on Friday that her 8-under 64 in the first round of the JTBC Founders Cup wasn't a fluke.

The LPGA Tour rookie followed her opening effort with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke lead in the $1.5 million, 72-hole event, which is being held on the Wildfire course at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Arizona.

After carding nine birdies and a bogey Thursday, Lee posted four birdies, an eagle on the par-5 15th, and only her second bogey of the tournament on the par-4 eighth.

Playing in only her third LPGA event and first in the U.S., she stands at 13-under 131, three shots ahead of fellow South Korean Sun Young Yoo, who had a 65 Friday.

Several players had yet to complete their second rounds in the 72-hole event as this story was posted. Among those who did was Morgan Pressel, who was only a stroke behind Lee at the start of Friday following a 65. But the 25-year-old American posted an even-par 72 to drop six shots behind the leader.

Five back of Lee is Michelle Wie, who has carded rounds of 68 and 70, with Stacy Lewis at 7-under after a 66 and 71. Lewis is at 7-under 137 with Karrie Webb (71), the 40-time LPGA winner who won the Women's Australian Open in mid-February.

The most recent LPGA Tour winner - three weeks ago in Singapore - Paula Creamer, opened with a 70 and was 2-under halfway through her second round.

For updated scores and the projected cut of the top-70 players, visit www.lpga.com.