Soo Bin Joo Leads the Pack at ShopRite LPGA Tournament: A Dream Within Reach
Soo Bin Joo is leading the ShopRite LPGA tournament by four strokes going into the final round in Galloway, N.J. She shot a 3-under-par 68 on Saturday to reach 8 under for the event. The Bay Course at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club proved challenging with only 20 players shooting under par out of 139 competitors. Joo had a strong finish with four birdies, securing her lead.
Joo, a 22-year-old South Korean, expressed her excitement about potentially winning her first LPGA tournament. She mentioned that winning on the LPGA tour has always been a dream for her. She is currently leading the field by a significant margin, with five players tied at 4 under, including Chizzy and Aki Iwai, Somi Lee, Celine Boutier, and Laetitia Beck.
Chizzy Iwai had a rollercoaster round with consecutive bogeys but finished strong with an eagle on the ninth hole. Beck, who had a stellar 8-under 63 on Friday, struggled in the second round, shooting 4 over par. The windy conditions made club selection and putting challenging for many players, leading to higher scores overall.
Despite the tough conditions, Joo maintained her composure and played a solid round to extend her lead. The final round will determine if she can secure her first LPGA victory and fulfill her dream of winning on the tour. The competition remains tight, and anything can happen in the final round of the ShopRite LPGA tournament.