Mo Martin Forges Three-Stroke Advantage in Women's British Open; Wie Misses Cut


Mo Martin continued her fine play in the Women's British Open at Royal Birkdale. The 31-year-old Martin, a three-time winner on the Futures Tour who's still in search of her first LPGA title, carded five birdies and two bogeys for a her second straight 69 in the third of five majors in women's golf.

Ranked 99th in the world, the California native stands at 6-under 136, three shots ahead of Spain's Beatriz Recari (67) and South Korean So Yeon Ryu (70).

Playing in her third Women's British Open, Martin is taking advantage of Royal Birkdale's rock-hard fairways. "I'm not a long hitter, but I've hit three or four 3-woods, which is unusual for me," she tweeted.

Martin has had extra motivation recently due to the death of her grandfather Lincoln, in March. He was the person who had the greatest influence on her becoming a professional golfer. "My grandfather was with me for all my wins, and he's still with me. He's here in spirit."

Four strokes behind Martin heading into the weekend are South Korean Sun-Ju Ahn (67) and Paraguay's Julieta Granada (70). Five back in a tie for sixth at 1-under 143 are Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn (68), France's Gwladys Nocera (70), American Amelia Lewis (71) and South Korean Amy Yang (72).

Only nine players are under par heading into Saturday's third round.

Sharing 10th at 144 are South Koreans Eun-Hee Ji and Inbee Park, China's Shanshan Feng, Spain's Azahara Munoz and Americans Jessica Korda and Morgan Pressel, who shot 72 and 74, respectively.

Defending champion and No. 1-ranked Stacy Lewis opened with a 71 but carded a 74 Friday to fall into a share for 16th at 1-over 145 with six other players, including fellow American, amateur Emma Talley.

Lewis, who won last year on the Old Course at St. Andrews by two strokes, admitted her round was erratic. "It was about as up‑and‑down as you could get," said the 29-year-old American. "It was all over the place today. I hit some really good shots and hit some pretty poor shots, too. You know, my short game just didn't really help me out today.

"So got to shore that up for the weekend, but I'm still in this thing. This golf course is playing so hard and just got to keep hanging around and hopefully I can shoot a good number tomorrow."

The weekend cut was set at 6-over 150. Many of the tournament's big names are heading home, including reigning U.S. Open champion Michelle Wie, who never got untracked at Royal Birkdale, posting rounds of 75 and 78.

"It really sucks," Wie told reporters about missing the cut. "But it is good motivation to find out how I can improve. I didn't hit it well and I didn't putt well. I was always just a bit to the left or a bit to the right of where I needed to be. I was in difficult positions and always fighting for pars. Bogeys happen here, but I never made the birdies I usually do."

Wie was most upset about not getting to play a couple more rounds on a course she really enjoys. "It's just the fact that I won't be able to play this weekend. I love this golf course. I love playing links golf. It's just really sad that my week got cut short. I just want to go out there and play and try to get better. So maybe I'll just play a couple other places this weekend."

Also not making the cut were seven-time major winner Karrie Webb, former No. 1 Yani Tseng, Scotland's Catriona Matthew, World Golf Hall of Fame member Se Ri Pak and Cristie Kerr, who, after carding an 81 Thursday, withdrew, citing a sore back.

For all the scores, visit www.lpga.com.