Golf: Lydia Ko finds form in second round at Palos Verdes Championship

Lydia Ko found form in California on Saturday. Photo / AP

Lydia Ko has posted an impressive second round at the Palos Verdes Championship to move into contention at the top of the leaderboard.

After recording an opening round 69 that included four bogeys and left her six shots behind leader Minjee Lee, Ko eventually cut down on her mistakes in her second run at the Californian course to move into a share of second, three shots off the lead.

Starting on the back nine today, Ko began in inconsistent fashion with a double bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie run over holes 13 to 16. However, she credited saves for par on 17 and 18 for ending that erratic pattern; which then set her up for a huge front nine.

"I was able to make a good comeback after every mistake, and then I made a mistake again on the next hole," Ko said.

"But then I was kind of able to stop that pattern after making up and down for par on 17, and then made a really good up and down on 18.

"I think that kind of changed the momentum and it was almost like a two-shot swing at that point.

"You just have to play just creatively and be patient. There are some tougher holes and some easier ones, so even if you do make a mistake, don't give up, and feel like you can make up for it on the next hole."

With her confidence boosted, Ko tore through holes one to nine, recording three birdies and an eagle to launch her up the leaderboard.

Ko has begun 2022 in fine form, finishing within the top 25 in each of the six tournaments she's competed in, including a victory in the Gainbridge LPGA in January.

Another victory is possible this week, as she sits three shots behind leader Hannah Green. She was joined in a share of second by first-round leader Lee, who followed her opening 63 with a 73, top-ranked Jin Young Ko (72), and Megan Khang (69).

Green was sharper than them all, rebounding from consecutive bogeys in gusting wind to birdie the two late par-fives in a five-under 66.

Green finished second behind Nasa Hataoka on Monday in the LA Open at Whilshire Country Club. She has two other top-eight finishes this season, tying for sixth in Singapore and eighth at Mission Hills in the first major of the year.

"I'm excited to see what the weekend brings," Green said. "I think they're going to maybe change the course setup, maybe make things a bit more drivable. It'll be good. I'm excited. Always nice to play in the last group and playing last weekend, I think that helps as well."

- With AP