WOBURN, England — Mirim Lee followed her opening 10-under 62 with 71 on Friday in the Women's British Open, leaving her a stroke ahead entering the weekend at tree-lined Woburn Golf Club.
A day after matching the tournament record for a round and falling a stroke short of the major championship mark, the 25-year-old South Korean reached 11-under 133.
"(Friday) the tee shot was a little bit difficult," Lee said. "I had issues with my tee shot. I think I putted okay. I had a couple of three-putts, but I think with some practice, I can overcome my mistakes."
Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn (69) and China's Shanshan Feng (68) were tied for second. Jutanugarn won three straight events in May.
"I like this style so much," Jutanugarn said about the course. "I think it fits my game."
South Korea's Ha Na Jang (67) and 46-year-old Scot Catriona Matthew (65) were 9 under.
"I've been playing well all year," Matthew said. "(Friday) I just played really well. Hit 18 greens. Gave myself a lot of chances. The putts actually dropped."
Jang was upset about slow play on the back nine. "It's like at the front nine, just play every hole, no slow play," she said. "But (the) back nine is more windy. … And players (are) a little tired, so walk slow, a little slow."
Charley Hull, a 20-year-old English star playing on her home course, had 70 and was 5 under. She was put on the clock for slow play late in the round. "It was a bit pointless, but it's stuff that you've got to deal with," Hull said.
Top-ranked Lydia Ko was at par after 70. In April she won the ANA Inspiration, one of the tour's five majors.
Second-ranked Brooke Henderson (72) was 1 under.
Seminole's Brittany Lincicome made the cut on the line at 1 over after 76.