The Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout is heating up, with Round Two coming to a close and a solo leader emerging in El Dorado. Mystic Creek Golf Club has once again proven to be a challenging stop on the tour, with only three players breaking 67 and just five players breaking 70 on the day.
Karen Chung showcased her skills by carding a impressive 5-under bogey-free round of 67. Chung has been gaining momentum in her last two events, securing back-to-back top 10 finishes and recording eight consecutive rounds under par. While she has yet to secure a win on the Epson Tour, Chung’s career boasts an impressive 19 top-10 finishes, which indicates her ability to compete and win.
Chung expressed her focus on maintaining her current approach and playing it safe in the final round. She aims to secure a few more birdies and, more importantly, break into the top 35, though she admits she hasn’t checked her ranking prior to the tournament.
Despite her nerves in the second round, Chung performed exceptionally well on the front nine, scoring four birdies for a 4-under 32. Interestingly, she also credits her success to Liquid IVs, emphasizing the significance of staying hydrated in the hot weather conditions.
Natasha Andrea Oon, tied for the lead at the start of the day, is potentially one round away from securing her 2024 LPGA Tour card and her first Epson Tour victory. Although she didn’t have her best game in the second round, shooting a 2-under 70, Oon remains only two shots off the lead. Her colorful scorecard, featuring seven birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey, highlights the roller-coaster nature of her round.
Kristen Gillman, tied for third and three shots behind the leader, had an exceptional round, posting a 6-under 66. With a history of winning at a high level, including two U.S. Women’s Amateur championships, Gillman knows how to handle pressure situations. Possessing a strong ability to think through shots and place the ball well, Gillman believes that the course at Mystic Creek Golf Club suits her game perfectly.
Miranda Wang joins Gillman in a tie for third place, both sitting at a 6-under total. Wang will be aiming for her second trophy of the year in the final round, which is set to start at 7:30 a.m. CT.
In addition to the on-course action, several players shared their thoughts in quick quotes. Miranda Wang emphasized the importance of improving her tee shots to feel confident for the final round. Carley Cox expressed her satisfaction with her current trend of good ball striking and the timing of her improved performance heading into the end of the season. Isabella Fierro, on the other hand, highlighted the need to keep the ball in play and maintain a positive mindset in order to succeed on a demanding course like Mystic Creek.
As the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout heads into its final round, it promises an exciting conclusion to the event, with players vying for the top spot and the opportunity to secure their tour card.