Japanese sensation Minami Katsu delivered a breathtaking performance at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, firing a course-record 11-under 61 in the second round to seize a commanding two-shot lead and ignite the chase for her first LPGA Tour victory. Her flawless display has electrified the golfing world and set a formidable bar for the rest of the field.
The LPGA Tour is buzzing after Minami Katsu, a 27-year-old Japanese star, absolutely dominated the second round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai. She carded a phenomenal 11-under 61 at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club, establishing a new course record and taking a significant two-shot lead as the tournament heads into the weekend.
A Flawless Round for the Record Books
Katsu’s scintillating round was a masterclass in aggressive yet precise golf. She racked up an incredible 12 birdies against just one bogey, including a dramatic 39-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that capped off her historic day. This exceptional performance saw her take only 24 putts and hit 17 greens in regulation, showcasing her command over the course.
Reflecting on her achievement, Katsu remained humble despite the magnitude of her score. “It was pretty flawless round — couple luckies I think but really good round overall,” she stated. “My career-best was 10 under, so new (personal) record today.” She also acknowledged the significance of the moment while maintaining focus on the task ahead: “Honestly I’m very happy with the record that I made today. But there are still two more days to play, so probably no celebration yet. I’ll try to keep it simple.” Her 61 broke the previous course record of 62, set by Sei Young Kim last year, by one stroke.
Minami Katsu: A Star on the Rise
While this marks her first major breakthrough on the LPGA Tour, Minami Katsu is no stranger to success. She already boasts eight victories on the JLPGA Tour, and her arrival on the global stage has been anticipated by many. This season has seen her consistently contend, demonstrating red-hot form leading up to Shanghai.
Her recent performances underscore her readiness for an LPGA Tour title. Just last week, she finished third at the Lotte Championship, and was tied for first at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship before weather forced its cancellation. With five top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up at the AIG Women’s Open, Katsu is clearly finding her stride at a pivotal moment, as reported by Associated Press.
The Chasing Pack and Dramatic Moments
Katsu’s record-breaking effort propelled her to 13-under-par (131) after two rounds. Hot on her heels is South Korea’s Ina Yoon, who sits in second place at 11-under after carding a 68 on Friday. Yoon showcased resilience, overcoming an early bogey to record five birdies.
The battle for third place saw some high drama. Americans Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan are tied at 10-under. Bae, who was vying for the lead at 13-under heading into the 18th hole, suffered a devastating triple-bogey after hitting into a bunker and then the water, finishing with a 69. Duncan delivered a solid 67 to join her.
Overnight leader Arpichaya Yubol of Thailand finished with a 71, dropping her into a tie for fifth place at 9-under, alongside fellow Thai native Jeeno Thitikul (70) and South Korea’s Somi Lee (67). Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China moved into a tie for 22nd place at 5-under after a 68 on Thursday, demonstrating the fierce competition at this elite event.
Adding another memorable moment to the round, Wei-Ling Hsu of Chinese Taipei delighted spectators with a hole-in-one on the par-3 second hole, using a 7-iron.
In the Pantheon of Great LPGA Rounds
Minami Katsu’s 61 not only set a new course record but also etched her name into an exclusive list of golfers who have produced some of the lowest scores in LPGA Tour history. While Annika Sörenstam’s iconic 13-under 59 from the 2001 Standard Register Ping tournament remains the pinnacle, Katsu’s performance places her in rarefied air.
Other notable low rounds in LPGA Tour history include:
- Annika Sörenstam’s 59 (13-under) at the 2001 Standard Register Ping.
- Jessica Korda’s 60 (11-under) at the 2021 Tournament of Champions.
- Paula Creamer’s 60 (12-under) at the 2008 Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.
- Lydia Ko’s 62 (10-under) at the 2021 ANA Inspiration (a major championship).
Before Katsu’s historic round, the lowest score of the current season was an 8-under 63 by fellow Japanese player Yuri Yoshida at the Amundi Evian Championship. Katsu’s 61 surpassed that, further highlighting the exceptional nature of her play.
What’s Next for Minami Katsu?
Having also set the 36-hole scoring record, as confirmed by the LPGA Tour on X, all eyes will be on Minami Katsu to see if she can maintain her exceptional form throughout the weekend. Her composure and consistent play suggest she has the mental fortitude to convert this record-breaking start into her maiden LPGA Tour victory.
The Buick LPGA Shanghai is the first of five tournaments in Asia, promising an exhilarating stretch of golf. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the remainder of this thrilling event will bring as the best female golfers in the world continue to vie for supremacy. If Katsu can keep her focus, that first LPGA Tour trophy could very well be hers.
