SEATTLE — England's Charley Hull delivered a stunning second-round performance at the Women's PGA Championship, carding the lowest score of the day with a 6-under 66, while Thailand's rising star Jeeno Thitikul extended her lead atop the leaderboard at Sahalee Country Club.
Hull, who started the day tied for 15th, surged into contention with a flawless round featuring six birdies and no bogeys. The 28-year-old showcased her precision off the tee and clutch putting, sinking critical birdie putts on holes 14, 16, and 18 to close strong. "I felt really in control today," Hull said. "When my putter gets hot, I know I can go low."
Thitikul Maintains Commanding Lead
Despite Hull's charge, 21-year-old Thitikul retained her advantage with a steady 3-under 69, moving to 9-under for the tournament. The former world No. 1 demonstrated why she's considered one of golf's brightest young talents, navigating Sahalee's demanding tree-lined fairways with remarkable composure. Key moments included:
- A 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 11th
- Back-to-back birdies on holes 6 and 7
- Just one bogey through 36 holes
"I'm not thinking about the lead," Thitikul told reporters. "This course demands respect on every shot. My caddie and I have a good game plan—we're just sticking to it one hole at a time."
Notable Moves on Moving Day
Several players made significant moves during the second round:
- World No. 1 Nelly Korda shot 68 to climb to T4 (-5)
- Defending champion Ruoning Yin carded 67 (-6 total)
- Lexi Thompson rebounded with 69 after opening 73
Korda, seeking her second major of 2024, credited her improved iron play: "Yesterday I left myself in some tough spots. Today I gave myself better angles and finally converted some of those 15-footers that weren't dropping in Round 1."
Course Conditions Test Players
Sahalee's firming greens and narrow landing areas produced a stark scoring divide—while 21 players broke par, nearly half the field shot 75 or higher. Hull noted the increasing challenge: "By afternoon, some of these pins were brutal. That back-left on 17? Pure evil."
Weekend Outlook
With Thitikul holding a three-shot lead over Hull and four over Korea's Hyo Joo Kim (68-69), Saturday's pairing will feature an intriguing contrast—the composed Thai prodigy versus Hull's aggressive, free-swinging style. Key factors to watch:
- Weather forecast calls for warmer temperatures
- Potential for firmer, faster greens
- Pressure of chasing a first major (both leaders)
As Hull put it: "I've been close in these before. Maybe this time I get over the line. But 36 holes is a long way—golf doesn't give you anything. You've got to take it."
Thitikul, who has six worldwide wins but no major yet, remained characteristically poised: "My goal is same every day—breathe, smile, hit good shots. The rest will come."
The third round begins Saturday at 9:45 AM local time, with the final pairing of Thitikul and Hull teeing off at 2:30 PM. Golf Channel will broadcast coverage starting at 12 PM ET.
