Jennifer Kupcho Chases Lead at US Women's Open as Lee and Yin Take Command at Riviera

Jennifer Kupcho holds a share of third place at the US Women's Open, positioned one stroke behind co-leaders Alison Lee and Ruoning Yin after 36 holes at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The tournament's second major of the year remains wide open, with six players clustered within striking distance of the lead heading into Saturday's third round.

The Leaders Emerge

Los Angeles native Lee, competing in only her seventh start since returning from maternity leave, posted a three-under 68 in Friday's second round to reach four-under par overall. Lee missed all five major championships in 2025 while on maternity leave following the birth of her son Levi on April 25, 2024, but is competing under the USGA's deferred maternity leave exemption policy. Her 13-month-old son has been present at the course during her play, creating memorable moments—including when Levi shouted "Ball!" during Friday's final hole.

China's Ruoning Yin matched Lee at four-under par with a bogey-free second round of 69, her second consecutive round at that score. Yin, whose sole major victory came at the 2023 PGA Championship, described the pressure of contending in a US Open as "a privilege" despite the inherent stress of championship golf.

Kupcho Among the Chasers

Kupcho, who led after the opening round, finds herself in a six-player tie for third place at three-under par. Sharing that position are major champions In Gee Chun, Hinako Shibuno (winner of the 2019 British Open), and Sei Young Kim. Mexico's Gaby Lopez and Japan's Hinako Shibuno round out the group trailing by one stroke.

World number one Nelly Korda sits two shots back at two-under par after firing the day's lowest round, a 67, to climb the leaderboard following an inconsistent first day. Four players join Korda at that mark. The competitive depth through 36 holes suggests Saturday's action will determine the championship's trajectory.