Miyu Yamashita Shoots 64 to Build Five-Stroke Lead at CPKC Women's Open

Miyu Yamashita reached 14 under at Royal Mayfair after a second-round 64, establishing a five-shot advantage over the field.

Miyu Yamashita surged to a five-stroke lead at the CPKC Women's Open on Friday afternoon, posting a 6-under 64 to reach a 14-under total. Following an opening 8-under 62 on Thursday, the 25-year-old Japanese native sits five shots clear of her nearest competitors at Royal Mayfair. The 4-foot-11 golfer, who was the 2025 LPGA rookie of the year, is seeking her fourth major professional victory after previously winning the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, alongside the Women's British Open and Maybank Championship last year.

Three players sit in a tie for second place at 9 under par. American Kiara Romero, 20, carded a 67 on Friday to follow her opening-round 64. Romero is competing in her first event as an LPGA Tour member, having earned her status through the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway. Joining her at 9 under are Soo Bin Joo, who fired a 63 during the second round, and Yuri Yoshida, who turned in a 66.

Scoring Leaders and Canadian Standouts

Ruoning Yin sits at 8 under par despite closing her round with a double bogey for a 67. She is tied with Nasa Hataoka, who shot a 69 on Friday. The local crowds in Edmonton, Alberta, saw 17-year-old Anna Huang emerge as the top Canadian in the field, finishing the day at 7 under after a round of 68.

Brooke Henderson, a two-time champion of this event in 2018 and 2025, remains in contention at 5 under par. Henderson posted a 68 on Friday morning, noting that the fairways were already lined with spectators during the early hours. World number one Nelly Korda carded a 70 to remain at 3 under, while Lydia Ko, who won at this specific venue as an amateur in 2013, sits at 1 under par following a second-round 69.

Conditions at Royal Mayfair

The tree-lined course, situated in a bend of the North Saskatchewan River, presented unique challenges as players battled significant mosquito activity throughout the day. Soo Bin Joo commented on the beauty of the Canadian landscape while noting the difficulty posed by the insects. Yamashita, speaking through an interpreter, emphasized a strategy of focusing on birdie opportunities rather than the total score as she prepares for the final two rounds.

Solheim Cup Implications

This tournament serves as the final qualifying week for American players aiming to secure a spot on the Solheim Cup team. The upcoming matches are scheduled for September 11-13 in the Netherlands. Kiara Romero, the second player to transition through the Elite Amateur Pathway after Lottie Woad, expressed gratitude for her position on the leaderboard during this pivotal week.

Yamashita enters the weekend with a significant cushion as she attempts to maintain the form that produced 14 birdies or better over the first 36 holes. The field will continue to navigate the Royal Mayfair layout as they chase the five-shot deficit established by the tournament leader.