Chayanun in first, ISU women’s golf in second in Puerto Rico

Mike Randleman

For most of the 82 golfers at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, the Rio Mar Country Club proved to be a puzzling layout through two rounds, where scores in the 60s can be counted on one hand.

One player who found no difficulty in the gusting wind and difficult scoring conditions was ISU golfer Chonlada Chayanun.

Chayanun followed up a near record-setting performance in her first round of 66 with a three-under-par 69. Chayanun owns two of just four sub-70 rounds posted in round two, a cause for her eight-shot lead over Elise Bradley of LSU.

Chayanun and Bradley are the only two golfers under par for the tournament.

With Chayanun on pace for her first collegiate victory, the senior has kept No. 33 Iowa State (Golfweek) in the running for a team title, as well. The Cyclones posted rounds of 293 and 294 to sit at 11-over-par, two shots behind No. 6 Arkansas.

At four-over-par and in a tie for 15th place is freshman Nattapan Siritrai after a round of even-par 72 in round two.

In a tie for 33rd place at seven-over-par is freshman Celia Barquín. She posted a 77, the highest score of her young career.

Behind Barquín is junior Cajsa Persson, who is tied for 42nd place at nine-over-par after a 76 in round two.

Tied for 79th place at 24-over-par is freshman M.J. Kamin, whose second round of 87 was not counted for team scoring.

The third and final round will begin at 5:30 a.m. Feb. 17.