PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — While a relative unknown American rookie paces the field at the 78th U.S. Women’s Open, a bevy of top names are headed home early from an historic week at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The most shocking of all: World No. 1 Jin Young Ko.
Ko came into the week with 18 of 36 rounds this season in the 60s. No one could’ve predicted the opening 79 that followed.
The first-round scoring average of 75.5 climbed even higher in Round 2 at 76.07. The cut fell at 6 over, with 74 players advancing to the weekend.
Bailey Tardy paces the field at 7 under, with only six players finishing the first two rounds under par.
Here’s a look at other notables who missed the cut at Pebble Beach.
One day after world No. 1 Ko carded her worst round of the season, a 7-over 79, she could only muster a 72 in the second round. The ultra-consistent Ko hit only 17 fairways and 18 greens over the course of two rounds. It’s her first missed cut in a major since the 2022 AIG Women’s British Open.
Jin Young Ko hits an approach shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Danielle Kang’s second-round 78 pushed outside the cut line after she shot 40 on the front side with a double on the par-5 second. Kang hit only 17 greens over the course of two days.
Danielle Kang of the United States lines up her putt on the 17th green during the second round of the 78th U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on July 07, 2023 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Anna Nordqvist, a three-time major winner who was enamored with Pebble Beach from the start, didn’t get any love in return as the Swede missed the cut by a stroke. Nordqvist shot 78-73, ranking 122nd in strokes gained approach.
Anna Nordqvist of Sweden waits with her caddie Shaun Clews before playing her second shot on the fourth hole during the second round of the 78th U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on July 07, 2023 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Atthaya Thitikul’s back-to-back rounds of 76 included only three birdies on the week. The former No. 1 finished nearly last in the field in strokes gained putting. She didn’t finish out side the top 25 in all five majors last year.
Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand waits on the…
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