ESPN Golf: Alison Lee and Ruoning Yin Share Top Spot at Riviera After U.S. Women's Open Round 2

Two Players Atop a Loaded Leaderboard

After 36 holes at Riviera Country Club, Alison Lee and Ruoning Yin are deadlocked at 4-under 138 heading into the weekend. The historic Los Angeles venue, celebrating its centennial year, is hosting the U.S. Women's Open for the first time, and the course has lived up to its reputation — only two players completed Friday's round bogey-free.

Lee's Homecoming Story

The 31-year-old Lee grew up in nearby Valencia and carries an emotional narrative into the weekend. A two-time Solheim Cup participant still seeking her first LPGA title, Lee took much of last year off to welcome her son Levi. Now back in full form, she posted a second-round 68 to share the lead on what amounts to a home course.

Yin's Consistency Stands Out

Yin — who jokingly labeled Riviera "passive aggressive" — remains the only player in the field with back-to-back sub-70 rounds, carding 69-69. Her composure on a demanding layout echoes the form that delivered her maiden LPGA win in this same city in 2023.

Korda Charges Into Contention

World No. 1 Nelly Korda rebounded from a shaky opening round by firing the day's low score of 67, pulling to within two shots of the lead. With Jennifer Kupcho, Sei Young Kim, and Gaby Lopez among a six-way group at 3-under, the weekend sets up as a wide-open contest.

Wie West Closes a Chapter

Michelle Wie West, using the final year of her 2014 U.S. Open champion's exemption, missed the cut at 7-over after a brief return to competitive golf. Her presence at Riviera — the former club of her late father-in-law Jerry West — added poignancy to what may be her final major appearance.

Strokeslab's Take

Riviera rewards precision ball-striking, particularly SG: Approach, and the players leading this week are proving exactly that. Monitoring how Yin and Korda compare in approach metrics through the weekend will be telling.