Hataoka takes one-shot lead at Volvik Championship

Japan’s Nasa Hataoka fired a 4-under 68 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead in the LPGA Volvik Championship on the Travis Pointe Country Club track in Ann Arbor, Mich., over Minjee Lee of Australia.

Hataoka had five birdies and two bogeys on the front nine and then two birdies and a bogey on the back to jump up from fifth after Thursday’s round. Her round tied for the best of the day as swirling winds and a dry course made conditions tough on the 6,734-yard layout.

Lee, who had four birdies and one bogey during her second-round 69, noted how the weather played a factor.

“The wind picked up a little bit on my back nine today,” said Lee, who had just one of her birdies after three on the front nine. “It’s just getting a little tougher every day.”

American Lindy Duncan, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff are two strokes back at 7 under. Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn and American Danielle Kang lost their share of the first-round lead after each firing an even-par 72. Amy Olson and Germany’s Caroline Masson, who also began the day tied for first, are now tied for 21st after shooting 3 overs.

Lopez’s round stood out, as she fired four bogeys and eight birdies along the way to a 68.

“I know that I’m going to make mistakes, so forgive myself as soon as possible,” Lopez said of the bogeys. “I am for sure not trying to make it on purpose. So just be as kind and positive with myself and try and stay in the moment, stay in the present and let’s see what happens on the weekend.”

There are 79 players of the 144 who entered the tournament above the even-par cut line, including eight-time tour winner Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya’s sister, at three back, 6 under.

Hataoka, seeking her first tour victory after turning pro last year, posted a bogey-free 5 under on Thursday to start the tournament. She’s coming off a sudden-death playoff loss on the second hole to Ariya Jutanugarn in last week’s Kingsmill Championship presented by GEICO.

“Yeah, I’m really comfortable playing the LPGA,” Hataoka said. “I’ve really got confidence now. I play my game, that’s my key.”

–Field Level Media