Mao Saigo holds a three-shot lead heading into the weekend at the US Women's Open. AP Photo/Matt York/Alamy Stock Photo

Saigo takes three-shot lead as Maguire misses cut at US Women's Open

Catastrophic triple-bogey ends Leona Maguire’s chance of featuring in the weekend’s action at Erin Hills.

MAO SAIGO TOOK aim at a second straight major title on Friday, firing a six-under-par 66 to grab a three-shot lead over a group including world number one Nelly Korda after two rounds of the US Women’s Open in Wisconsin.

Japan’s Saigo, who won a five-way playoff to lift her first major trophy at the Chevron Championship, shrugged off a spectacular piece of bad luck to build a 36-hole total of eight-under par at Erin Hills.

But she can expect a strong weekend challenge from Korda after the American posted her best round score ever at a US Open — five-under 67 — to headline a group of six players on five-under.

Korda is tied with Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, Americans Yealimi Noh and Sarah Schmelzel, South Korean Kim A-lim and Sweden’s Maja Stark.

The demanding Erin Hills layout claimed some notable victims, including Ireland’s Leona Maguire who saw a bright start to her second round implode with a triple-bogey seven at the 11th hole.

The Cavan golfer finished on four-over par, well outside the projected cut line on one-over when darkness halted play with a dozen players on the course.

– © AFP 2025

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