LPGA Classic: Szokol & Lee Lead | Golf News
Elizabeth Szokol and Ilhee Lee seize the lead at the shoprite LPGA Classic, both firing impressive 8-under 62s.Szokol’s aggressive start,marked by five consecutive birdies,set the tone,while Lee’s consistent performance,highlighted by three sets of consecutive birdies,kept her in contention. Akie Iwai trails closely in third, showcasing a fierce competitive spirit. the primary_keyword, LPGA Classic, saw a day of high scores. Nelly Korda’s 71 and Jeeno Thitikul’s 68 position them, alongside other contenders, to make moves in the coming rounds. This fast-paced tournament has the entire field jockeying for position. News Directory 3 is covering all the action. Will Szokol or Lee maintain their edge, or will a challenger rise? Discover what’s next in this exciting LPGA tournament!
Szokol,Lee share Lead at ShopRite LPGA Classic
Updated June 7,2025
GALLOWAY,N.J. — Elizabeth Szokol and Ilhee Lee ended friday tied for the lead at the ShopRite LPGA Classic after both shot 8-under 62. Szokol, playing the Bay Course at Seaview in the afternoon, birdied her first five holes. Lee had three stretches of three straight birdies.
Szokol,whose sole LPGA victory came at the 2023 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational with partner Cheyenne Knight,bogeyed the sixth hole but recovered with birdies on Nos. 8, 9, 13, and 16. This strong start has her looking forward to the weekend as she focuses on maintaining her momentum in the ShopRite LPGA classic.
Lee, a 36-year-old South Korean, recorded her only LPGA Tour win in the 2013 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. She strung together birdies on the 3rd, 4th and 5th, again on the 8th, 9th and 10th, and finished with another set on 16, 17 and 18. She downplayed expectations, emphasizing enjoyment of the game.
Akie Iwai of Japan is in solo third after a 65. Wei-ling Hsu, Aline Krauter, Ayaka Furue, Polly Mack, Saki Baba, Dewi Weber, and Gurleen Kaur are tied further back after shooting 66. World No. 1 Nelly Korda shot 71, while No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul posted a 68. Maja Stark, fresh off her U.S. Women’s Open victory, carded a 70.
Linnea Strom, the defending champion, opened with a 72.
“Happy to get off to a great start and really looking forward to the weekend,” Szokol said. “Lots of golf left. Really excited to see good golf and hard work paying off today.”
“I don’t have expectation,” Lee said. “I just play golf. I just come out, have fun. That’s all I do.”
“Normally four days, so I feel fast, shorter tournament,” Iwai said. “That’s why we must make a lot birdies.”
What’s next
The ShopRite LPGA Classic continues through the weekend, with players vying for the title in this 54-hole tournament. All eyes will be on Szokol and Lee as they try to maintain their lead, while challengers like Iwai and Korda look to close the gap.