Anyone who watched Patty Tavatanakit dominate the field at the Chevron Championship in winning the 2021 major championship can’t be surprised that Tavatanakit is looking for back-to-back wins in the event this year.
A pair of late birdies Friday pushed Tavatanakit to 8-under 136 after 36 holes on the Dinah Shore Course at Mission Hills Country Club. That puts Tavatanakit, the reigning LPGA rookie of the year, just one shot behind leader Hinako Shibuno after the morning wave of players in the second round.
Only two players, Sandra Post in 1978-79 and Annika Sorenstam in 2001-02, have won the Chevron title in consecutive years.
Shibuno, the 2019 AIG Women’s Open winner, shot one of the best rounds of the morning, a 6-under 66 that included seven birdies. Shibuno is at 9 under, and like Tavatanakit, she is seeking her second major title.
Tavatanakit is tied at 8 under with Annie Park, who for the second day in a row played without a partner. Park shot a 67 on Friday.
A group of players is tied at 6 under for the tournament, including overnight leaders Minjee Lee and Jennifer Kupcho, who have afternoon tee times.
Tavantanakit said she left too many shots on the course Friday, but was happy with the two closing birdies
“I think 17 was definitely a bonus,” Tavatanakit said of the 20-foot birdie putt on the par-3. “That pin position (tight to the left side of the green) was just taking it one shot at a time, and it ended up being a great shot.”
Knowing the tee is up on the 485-yard par-5 18th hole, Tavatanakit was again able to reach the island green in two shots but missed the putting surface to the left. She hit a delicate chip shot to within three feet and made the birdie putt in front of applauding fans who were not at the tournament last year because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“I remember being here as an amateur and making birdie on that hole (the 18th) is always a cheery feeling,” Tavatanakit said.
Park playing well
Annie Park, the 26-year old from New York who attended USC, was the first player out on the course Friday, and she played by herself as the odd woman out in the 115-player field. She took advantage of the solitude by firing a 5-under 67 to move her to 8 under for the tournament.
Park being in contention could be considered a bit of a surprise. This is Park’s 23rd major championship, and she’s never finished inside the top 15. Her best finish in this event is a tie for 56th.
“Just overall it was a great day and I feel pretty — a lot better about my long game. Been putting a lot better. Made some really good putts out there. Did leave some out there, but overall I’m stroking it pretty solid,” said Park, who’s just plain having fun on the course this week. “Yeah, it’s nice. I think the fans are very supportive. So nice to see just fans out there again, always supporting, Hey, go Annie, fight on.”