LPGA Tour Highlights: 2025 Chevron Championship, Round 2 | Golf Channel
Round 2 Recap: Intense Competition at the 2025 Chevron Championship
The 2025 Chevron Championship’s Round 2 brought dramatic swings, clutch putts, and stellar ball-striking at the iconic Mission Hills Country Club. Fans and analysts tuned in for Golf Channel’s live coverage as the LPGA Tour’s elite battled the challenging course conditions, with wind picking up in the afternoon and greens showing more firmness than in Round 1.
The leaderboard continues to tighten, making for an electrifying weekend ahead. Here are the standout moments and statistical highlights from the second day of this premier event.
Key Highlights from Round 2
- Top Performers Surging Up: Several players made notable moves,with scores low enough to contend for the title. Notably, young phenom Emma Choi carded a sizzling 65 (-7) to vault into the top-5 leaderboard positions.
- Defending Champion Struggles: Lizette Salas, the 2024 Chevron winner, found the conditions tougher on Thursday, shooting a 74 (+2), but showed resilience coming back with birdies late in the round.
- Tough Course Sets the Stage: The par-72 course at Mission Hills tested players’ precision off the tee and demand for strategic course management, particularly in navigating the fast, undulating greens.
Updated Leaderboard After Round 2
| Position | Player | Round 2 Score | Total Score | To Par |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alice Kim | 66 (-6) | 134 | -10 |
| 2 | Emma Choi | 65 (-7) | 136 | -8 |
| 3 | Jessica Korda | 68 (-4) | 137 | -7 |
| 4 | Lizette Salas | 74 (+2) | 138 | -6 |
| 5 | Minjee Lee | 69 (-3) | 139 | -5 |
player Performance Analysis & Statistics
Golf Channel experts provided detailed insights on player performances, noting several statistical patterns that shaped Round 2 outcomes.
Driving Accuracy & Distance
Accuracy off the tee was a critical factor on the narrow fairways of Mission Hills. Here’s a fast breakdown:
- alice Kim: Maintained 78% driving accuracy,pairing her length off the tee with precision.
- Emma choi: Outdrove most competitors with an average of 280 yards per drive, enabling easier second shots.
- Lizette Salas: Found some fairway trouble early but improved later in the round.
Greens in Regulation (GIR)
Success on the greens was crucial due to the course’s fast surfaces:
- Jessica korda: Posted the highest GIR at 82%, giving her multiple birdie opportunities.
- minjee Lee: Despite fewer GIRs, her scrambling ability minimized damage.
Golf Channel Round 2 Broadcast Highlights
Golf Channel’s Round 2 coverage featured expert commentator insights, player interviews, and slow-motion analyses that enhanced viewer understanding of the course challenges:
- In-depth interviews with Alice Kim and Emma Choi after their rounds.
- Analysis of key holes like 7th and 16th,where leaderboard shifts occurred.
- Insightful coverage of weather impact on course playability, including wind shifts and green speeds.
Practical Tips from the Pros: How to Tackle Mission Hills
Players shared techniques that helped them excel on the tricky Mission Hills layout, useful for amateurs and aspiring golfers:
- Strategic tee Placement: Aim for safe zones off the tee to avoid dense rough or water hazards.
- Short Game Precision: Prioritize chipping and pitching to navigate the fast, sloped greens effectively.
- Mental Focus: Stay patient on tough holes and trust your pre-shot routine.
What to Watch for in Upcoming Rounds
As the 2025 chevron Championship moves toward the weekend, keep an eye on these key factors:
- Weather Variability: Potential afternoon gusts may increase difficulty, especially for those in lower positions trying to climb the leaderboard.
- Pressure Moments: players like Alice Kim and Emma Choi will face intense pressure to maintain their leads.
- Emerging Contenders: veterans such as Jessica Korda might mount comebacks thanks to their consistency and course knowlege.
Case Study: Alice Kim’s Round 2 Masterclass
Alice Kim’s second-round performance exemplified the winning combination of technical skill and mental resilience. Here’s how she did it:
- Consistent Drives: Averaged 275 yards with minimal fairway misses, setting up easier approach shots.
- Pin-Seeking Iron Play: Hit 12 Greens in Regulation, giving birdie chances on 7 of the 9 holes played at Mission Hills’ two-courses.
- Calm Putting: Made several critical mid-range putts, including a clutch birdie on 16th under pressure.
Her round 2 expertise puts her in prime position to contend for this prestigious LPGA major.
