ON THE LINKS

ON THE LINKS

Friday’s other professional golf results

Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic

ONEIDA, WIS.

Katherine Kirk shot a career-best 9-under 63 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the weather-delayed second round of the inaugural Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic. Kirk, a 35-year-old Australian who has two victories in 14 years on the LPGA Tour, played the back nine in 7-under 29 at Thornberry Creek, the Oneida Nation-owned resort near Green Bay. She eagled the par-5 13th and hit a hybrid to 4 feet on the 196-yard, par-3 17th for her final birdie of the day to finish at 13-under through two rounds. Kirk finished her round before a 3 1/2-hour delay for lightning in the area. Jaye Marie Green birdied eight of her final 12 holes to shoot 66 and was three shots back. Sandra Gal of Germany was also 10 under through 13 holes when play was suspended because of darkness. Green, 23, who played college golf at Florida and has never won on the LPGA Tour, had her brother, Matt, on the bag. Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand was four shots back after a second-round 68. Her younger sister, second-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn, withdrew with a shoulder injury on Friday, one day after struggling to a 78. South African Ashleigh Buhai (66), South Korean Ilhee Lee (68) and Pavarisa Yoktuan of Thailand (68) were also four shots back. Christina Kim, Karine Icher, Amelia Lewis and Madeleine Sheils were another shot behind, along with Cristie Kerr, who had five holes left to play. Top-ranked So Yeon Ryu, No. 3 Lexi Thompson and No. 4 Lydia Ko are among those taking the week off before the U.S. Women’s Open next week at Trump International in New Jersey.

Irish Open

PORTSTEWART, NORTHERN IRELAND

Defending champion Rory McIlroy looks set to miss the cut at the Irish Open in a blow to his preparation for the British Open. McIlroy shot 1-over 73 Friday in his second round over the links at Portstewart and was 1 over for the tournament, which he is hosting to benefit his foundation. He was four shots off the predicted cut mark. The No. 4-ranked McIlroy missed the cut at the U.S. Open last month and hasn’t had a victory in an injury-hit 2017 so far. Jon Rahm, playing in the same group as McIlroy, shot 67 and was a stroke behind leader Daniel Im (67) midway through Day 2. The British Open starts July 20 at Royal Birkdale.

Associated Press