Corning Classic – 2nd Round

Dina Ammaccapane (-6), whose caddy is our good friend Larry Smich, leads after two rounds at the LPGA Corning Classic. Four players are tied for second at -5, one shot behind – Erica Blasberg, Janice Moodie, Wendy Ward and Katie Futcher.

Ammaccapane posted her second straight 69 (the only player in the 60s both days) primarily on the strength of four straight birdies from holes 5-8. Back-to-back bogeys on 13 and 14 were countered by birdies at 16 and 18. I now am compelled to record tonight’s action just to get a couple of highlights of Dina storming her way to the lead. In case you’re wondering, this is her 16th season on Tour and she’s looking for her first career victory.

In my highlights post this morning, I mentioned that Janice Moodie made a lot of good shots Thursday for only carding a 71. Today Janice put up a 68 which included an eagle at 5. First-round leader Blasberg struggled to a 74 – double-bogey at 7 did the most damage. Erica was leading by two at the time of that double. Ward and Futcher both overcame multiple bogeys to post rounds of 70 and 69, respectively. Leta Lindley (67 -4 T6) and Sun Young Yoo (67 -3 T11) made the biggest Friday upward moves. Jeong Jang is lurking at -4, only two shots off the lead. Paula Creamer only managed 74 and sits at even par. Na On Min was the leader early on the back nine at -7 but lost four shots over the last six holes to wind up -3 and T11. Karine Icher also lost four shots on the back nine to remain even with Min. Sherri Turner’s 76 dropped her to T34.

The cut was +2. Getting an early start on their long trip to South Carolina are Inbee Park, Angela Stanford, Sherri Steinhauer, Taylor Leon, Moira Dunn and defending champ Young Kim. Making it by the skin of their teeth are Hee-Won Han, Meena Lee, Diana D’Alessio and Reilley Rankin. I must point out that Michelle McGann posted 71 today to make the cut for the first time this year. Way to go, Michelle!

That cut line is unusually close to the lead this week – the players who just barely made it are only eight shots back with 36 holes to play. They have a lot of players to pass, but that margin is certainly not insurmountable.