Frenchwoman Celine Boutier moved from a tie for second to a solo lead at 7-under with her second-round 69 at The Amundi Evian Championship. She started her round with a birdie on the first hole until she was pushed back on the par-3 5th with a bogey to make the turn at even-par. Her second bogey of Friday came on No. 11 until she changed the course of her round with two back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13. Boutier’s final birdie of the day came in front of large crowds on the par-5 18th hole from less than 10 feet.
“Today was super tough. It was very windy and this course is not meant for windy conditions, so really had to play as smart as we could out there. Did make a lot of bogey, but made a lot of birdies too to counter, which is a nice feeling,” said Boutier. “It’s exciting to be heading into the weekend not too far away and in contention. Hopefully just make a bunch of birdies early and see if we can climb up a bit.”
The Championship is the only LPGA Tour event this year in her home country, she said she’s still working on handling both the pressure and enjoyment of being in Evian-les-Bains, France. “Just try not to think about it. I feel like it’s a positive thing that the French media is talking about women’s golf and Evian,” said Boutier. “I feel like anything I can do to bring more attention to the tournament and women’s golf in general is always a good thing.”
Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and Japan’s Yuka Saso also climbed the leaderboard with rounds of 67 and 69 on Friday, respectively, to sit just one shot behind Boutier. Tavatanakit’s 67 tied the lowest score of the second round, and was one of only six total rounds under par. Friday was the first time since the second round of the 2014 championship that the course played at least three shots over par. Saso, Boutier’s playing partner at last week’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, credited some equipment changes for the spark she’s had over the last few tournaments.
“I was patience I guess, especially with the wind. I think I putted pretty good too today and yesterday,” said Saso, whose colorful scorecard included seven birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey on her first hole. “Happy where I am and rest a little bit and try to get ready for the weekend.”
Nasa Hataoka, also of Japan, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Alison Lee of the United States sit in a tie for fourth at 5-under, with South Korea’s Hae Ran Rue in solo seventh at 4-under. Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada is among four players tied for eighth at 3-under.
