Grace Kim Survives Wind, Hye-Jin Choi Holds Lead At Shanghai

Wind turned a scoring frenzy into a survival test on Friday at the Buick LPGA Classic. The conditions at Sheshan Golf Club forced players to rethink their entire approach to the course. Hye-Jin Choi managed the chaos better than anyone else. She holds a two-stroke lead after two rounds. Grace Kim refuses to let the lead slip away. The Australian major champion sits just two shots back. It is a classic battle for the title in Shanghai.

Thursday offered low scores, but Friday was different. The wind picked up and the course showed its teeth. According to Yahoo Sports, the field saw only a handful of rounds under par. Hye-Jin Choi shot a 2-over 74 to reach a two-round total of 6-under 138. She held a three-stroke lead after the first round. The Korean star admitted the physical toll of the day. “Actually, my body is not in perfect condition but I am still on the lead,” Choi said. Despite the struggle, she remains focused on the prize. “I’m really looking forward on the weekend… I really want to make my first win.” The Associated Press noted that the course features long par-4s and small, undulating greens. These features caused havoc for the field.

Grace Kim faced the same brutal conditions but stayed in contention. She carded an even-par 72 to finish at 4 under. That score leaves her two shots behind the leader. Kim described the venue with high praise for its difficulty. “This is a beast of a golf course,” Kim said. She highlighted how the weather changed the strategy required. “I think the wind picking up definitely made a huge difference,” Kim said. The extra length from the wind forced nervous shots. She mentioned needing a 3-wood into the 18th hole, a club she rarely uses there. Kim also noted that the course feels like a major championship. Her two LPGA wins include the 2025 Evian Championship. “Yes, definitely. I can tell you that for sure,” Kim said regarding the major feel. She added that the course suits men a bit more, but the women are ready for the challenge.

The wind did more than just raise scores. It changed how players approached specific holes. Kim explained her conservative mindset on Friday. “There was a couple holes where I honestly just tried to play it for the bunker instead of the green, knowing that greens have firmed up,” Kim said. She noted that pin positions were tucked or on downslopes. This defensive play kept her in the hunt. Amy Yang also stayed close with a 71. Both players sit at 4 under, two strokes off the lead. The defending champion, Jeeno Thitikul, shot a 73. She sits in a tie for seventh place, four strokes back. Earlier this month, Thitikul secured her fourth LPGA victory of the season by winning the Lotte Championship. Her 11th overall win keeps her in the mix, but the wind made her task harder.

Shanghai marks the first stop of a four-tournament Asian Swing. The LPGA Tour will travel to South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan over the next three weeks. The field started with 81 players on Thursday. Many will fall off the cut line as the weekend progresses. The leaders know that patience is key. Choi and Kim both understand that staying present is vital. The wind will likely remain a factor through Sunday. Players must adapt or get left behind. The two-shot margin is small enough to vanish in a single bad hole. Yet, it is large enough to provide a buffer for steady play. The next round begins on Saturday morning. The conditions will dictate who wins the title. Fans expect a tight finish as the field battles the elements.