The Tribune

Cristie Kerr put on a show and rookie Megan Khang performed like anything but a rookie in Friday’s second round of the $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

While Kerr threatened the course record, Khang birdied the par-5 18th hole to cap a 5-under-par 68 and climb into a share of the lead with first-round co-leaders Charley Hull of England and Haru Nomura of Japan. On a day when tricky winds strafed the Ocean Club Golf Course, Hull and Nomura each shot 70 and completed 36 holes with Khang at 8-under 138.

“It was such a grind. To come out with a 68 is incredible,” said Khang, who turned pro in December and is making her debut as an LPGA member this week. “It definitely will take some time to sink in, but I think my game's at a good place right now and I definitely think I can hold my own. I've played in the [U.S.] Open a few times and they're all there, all the pros are there, even like the best amateurs make it there. So I think I can hold my own.”

Lurking just a stroke back was defending champion Sei Young Kim, who also fired a 68 for 139. Anna Nordqvist, Min Seo Kwak and Catriona Matthew, with 69, 70 and 71, respectively, were also a stroke behind.

Paula Creamer, one of seven co-leaders after the opening round, held the lead for much of the morning while getting to 8 under par, but a 4-over stretch near the finish dropped her back until a closing birdie at the par-5 18th. She ended up with a 1-under 72 and shares eighth place with Hyo Joo Kim, who submitted a second straight 70.

But nobody on the sunny but blustery day played better than veteran Cristie Kerr. After an opening 77, the former U.S. Open winner put together a remarkable 8-under 65 to tie the tournament record Creamer and Michelle Wie set in 2014. The performance vaulted Kerr into contention at 4-under 142.

“Yeah, after yesterday, it wasn't looking good and very difficult day, and I just came out and just did it,” said Kerr, who traced her improvement to better thinking. “My mental game wasn't there yesterday. I felt like my routine was rushed. In looking back on it, I kind of had to forgive myself a little bit. And it wasn't easy because that was really only my third tournament in like four or five months. I was kind of just jittery. So I'm very happy with the progress today.”

Pure Silk ambassador Brittany Lincicome was in the group at 5-under 141 after a 71, but at one point she was tied at the top of the leaderboard with Creamer at 7 under until a double bogey at No. 16. World No. 3 Stacy Lewis, after a 68, also was 5 under, while Alison Lee, a first-round co- leader, carded even-par 73 for 141.

Rookie Ashlan Ramsey, yet one of the other first-round co-leaders, succumbed to the tricky winds and was among those missing the cut at 2 over 148 after shooting an 82. Eighty players qualified for the weekend, including past champions Ilhee Lee and Jessica Korda. Among those missing out were Michelle Wie, who was stung on the hand by a bee during her first round. Her 73 Friday left her one outside the cutline. Ariya Jutanugarn, one of two runners-up last year, finished with 78-150.

Sarah Jane Smith withdrew before the second round Friday, citing illness. Christina Kim also withdrew because of injury.