Knight, Szokol team for record 62 in LPGA event

MIDLAND, Mich. — Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol birdied six of the final eight holes in alternate-shot play for an 8-under 62 and a 3-stroke lead Friday within the Dow Nice Lakes Bay Invitational, the LPGA Tour’s lone group occasion.

Knight made a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 18th in windy circumstances at Midland Nation Membership to interrupt the event alternate-shot spherical document and 54-hole scoring mark at 18-under 192.

“It is so superior,” Szokol stated. “We love this occasion. It is so enjoyable that Dow does this for us. It is such a novel format, and that is the one [team] occasion we get to play this yr. It is superb to be within the document books at this occasion.”

Matilda Castren and Kelly Tan had been second after a 68. They completed second final yr.

“We’re simply going to actually attempt to exit and have enjoyable tomorrow,” Tan stated. “It is best ball, so we will make birdies and hopefully we’ll see the place it places us on the finish of the spherical.”

Knight gained the 2019 Ascendant LPGA for her lone tour title, whereas Szokol is winless. The U.S. duo tied for fourth final yr after lacking the reduce in 2021.

“We’re actually good associates, so I believe we’re very comfy taking part in collectively,” Szokol stated. “We all know one another rather well and I’ve a lot belief in Cheyenne’s recreation. That makes it a lot simpler for alternate shot.”

Knight and Szokol additionally began quick with birdies on three of the primary holes. They dropped a stroke on No. 8 and performed the again 9 in 6-under 29. They’d a 61 on Thursday in better-ball play, additionally the format for the ultimate spherical Saturday.

“We tried to not psych ourselves out with alternate shot as a result of it’s such a tough format,” Knight stated. “I believe we advised one another yesterday, ‘You can also make birdies in alternate shot.’ I believe you simply sort of must have the mindset like you can also make birdies and simply attempt to be aggressive and fearless moderately than attempt to not make a mistake.”

Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Emma Talley had been tied for third at 13 underneath with Celine Borge and Polly Mack. Shadoff-Talley shot 70, and Borge-Mack had a 68.

Stacy Lewis and Maria Fassi had been 12 underneath with Celine Boutier and Yuka Saso. Lewis-Fassi had a 66, and Boutier-Saso shot 70.

Second-round leaders Paula Reto and Amelia Lewis had a 73 a day after capturing a 61 in better-ball play. They had been tied for seventh at 11 underneath with Ana Belac and Bianca Pagdanganan. Belac and Pagdanganan had a 66.

Event officers introduced Friday that the 2024 occasion can be performed June 27-30 for its first Sunday end. The shift from July to June was made due to the Paris Olympics.