Overview
- Katsu’s 11-under 61 set a course record and moved her to 13 under, giving the 27-year-old a two-shot halfway lead over Ina Yoon, with Jenny Bae and Lindy Duncan a further stroke back.
- Low scoring has persisted despite the surfaces, with Arpichaya Yubol opening on 64 and a dozen bogey-free rounds on Day 1, and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul reaching 9 under through two rounds.
- The LPGA acknowledged the conditions in a statement, saying officials are working with tournament staff to care for the course after extreme heat affected all 18 greens.
- Players and commentators shared images of patchy, baked putting surfaces, and Leona Maguire said two caddies collapsed during practice rounds as Shanghai’s prolonged heat strained competitors and staff.
- The heat has disrupted other events in the city, with multiple retirements at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament, and the LPGA’s first look at the 2026 schedule listed a placeholder “New Asia Event” in place of Buick Shanghai.