South Korean Hyojin Yang’s Poise And Precision Propel Her To The Top

Lucas Herbert is lighting up the Australian Open, while 17-year-old South Korean amateur Hyojin Yang is stealing the spotlight at the Women’s Australian Open. Both tournaments are being played side by side on Melbourne’s iconic sandbelt courses, Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club. The events alternate tee times and, for the second year running, offer equal prize money—a win for gender equality in the sport.

The men are playing Kingston Heath as a par-72 course, while the women’s setup is par-73. Victoria Golf Club, with its par-71 design, is sharing hosting duties for the opening rounds. But come the weekend, all eyes will turn to Kingston Heath for the decisive final rounds.

Herbert Extends His Lead in the Men’s Field

Lucas Herbert, a hometown favorite, kept his foot on the gas during Friday’s second round. A polished 66 at Kingston Heath brought his total to a blistering 14-under-par 129, giving him a solid four-shot lead heading into the weekend. Despite his strong showing, Herbert admitted it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“It was pretty windy, and the tee shots on the back nine were tough,” he said. “I’m proud of how I held it together, especially over those last three or four holes.”

Herbert’s ability to string together three straight birdies on the back nine showcased his grit under pressure. Now, with a strong cushion, he’s well-positioned to go all the way—but golf can be unpredictable, and the weekend’s competition is far from over.

In second place is American Ryggs Johnston, who carded a steady 68 at Victoria Golf Club. Johnston’s consistency has kept him in the hunt, though he’ll need something special to bridge the gap. Meanwhile, Elvis Smylie, fresh off a victory at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, surged into contention with a sparkling 64 at Kingston Heath. Smylie sits five shots behind Herbert and will be looking to mount a challenge over the weekend.

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Cameron Smith Battles Wind and Woes

Cameron Smith, the 2022 British Open champion and one of Australia’s biggest golf stars, had a tough day at Kingston Heath. Playing in a group that included Smylie, Smith was rattled after his group received a warning for slow play. The resulting rush seemed to throw him off his rhythm, leading to bogeys on holes 10, 12, and 15, capped by a double bogey on 16.

“It didn’t feel like we were playing that slow, but getting put on the clock made us rush,” Smith said. “I made some really poor decisions mentally, and in that wind, things can unravel quickly.”

Smith’s eight-shot deficit to leader Herbert is steep, but he’s a fighter. If anyone can claw back, it’s the man who’s delivered under pressure on some of the biggest stages in golf.

Elsewhere, defending men’s champion Joaquin Niemann bounced back with a solid 66 at Victoria Golf Club, though at 4-under-par, he remains ten shots off the pace.

Hyojin Yang Steals the Spotlight in Women’s Event

On the women’s side, Hyojin Yang is making a name for herself. The 17-year-old South Korean amateur turned heads with a composed round of 71 at Kingston Heath, bringing her two-round total to 9-under-par 136. She sealed her day with a birdie on her final hole, claiming the outright lead.

“It feels incredible to be leading,” Yang said. “I just tried to stay focused and enjoy playing on such a prestigious course.”

Chasing Yang is the experienced Jiyai Shin, who is just one shot back after a smooth 68 at Kingston Heath. Shin’s steady play makes her a serious contender, and she’ll likely keep the pressure on the young leader as the weekend progresses.

Hannah Green, the 2019 Women’s PGA Champion, is also in the mix. After a 71 at Victoria Golf Club, Green sits two strokes off the lead in fourth place. She ended her round with back-to-back birdies on par-5s, giving her a boost of confidence heading into the weekend.

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“It was nice to finish on a high note,” Green said. “Those birdies were just the momentum I needed.”

Defending champion Ashleigh Buhai isn’t out of the running either. After a strong 68 on Friday, the South African is at 4-under, five strokes behind Yang. Buhai’s comeback from an early nine-shot deficit shows her determination to stay in the fight.

Source: Herbert in Command at Australian Open, Teen Star Yang Tops Women’s Leaderboard

Tough Day for Minjee and Min Woo Lee

It was a mixed bag for Australia’s Lee siblings. Minjee Lee, one of the country’s top female golfers, struggled to find her rhythm, carding a disappointing 74 at Victoria Golf Club. At 3-over-par for the tournament, she’s well off the pace set by the leaders.

Her brother, Min Woo Lee, fared slightly better. He managed a 69 at Victoria, leaving him at 3-under overall. While Min Woo is still in the hunt, he’ll need to go low over the weekend to challenge the leaders.

Weekend Showdown at Kingston Heath

As the action shifts entirely to Kingston Heath for the final rounds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Lucas Herbert has the men’s title in his sights, but challengers like Johnston and Smylie are eager to close the gap. For the women, Hyojin Yang’s incredible performance has made her the one to beat, though seasoned players like Shin and Green are well within striking distance.

With Melbourne’s sandbelt courses known for their tricky layouts and unpredictable weather, anything can happen. Fans are in for an exciting finish as some of the world’s best golfers, both seasoned pros and rising stars, battle it out for glory.