Nomura takes slim lead in LPGA Texas Shootout

LOS ANGELES, California: Haru Nomura grabbed the lead in the LPGA Texas Shootout near Dallas on Friday, her eight birdies more than offsetting two bogeys in a 65 that left her one shot in front of Ariya Jutanugarn.

After playing the front nine at Las Colinas Country Club in one-under par, Japan’s Nomura caught fire coming in. She made six birdies in eight holes before capping her round with a bogey at 18 — still good enough for the halfway lead on nine-under par 133.

“My mind was very calm today,” Nomura said. “It was very windy, but I like windy and tough conditions. I putted well and shot pretty good today.”

Thailand’s Ariya posted her second straight 67 for sole possession of second place on 134 — one stroke in front of Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, who signed for a 65.

Elder sister Moriya Jutanugarn was in a group sharing fourth on 136 after a 66 that included a hole in one at the par-three 13th. She used a nine-iron to make her second ace of the year.

Moriya was joined on 136 by South Korean star Park In-Bee (67) and American Marina Alex (69).

Another pair of sisters, Nelly and Jessica Korda, were in a group on 138. Dori Carter headed a group on 139 after a course-record 63.