Kim Sei-young Takes Sole Lead at JM Eagle LA Championship Day 2

The 33-year-old South Korean player shot her second straight 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:50am

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A cubist, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic motion and competitive action of a golf tournament, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant greens, blues, and yellows.A fractured, geometric interpretation of the intense competition and dynamic play at the JM Eagle LA Championship, the final tune-up before the first women's major of the season.Los Angeles Today

Sei Young Kim shot her second straight 7-under 65 on Friday at El Caballero to take a one-stroke lead in the JM Eagle LA Championship, the final event before the first women's major of the season. Playing in the morning wave, Kim birdied two of the first three holes and then made a big move on the back nine with five birdies in a seven-hole stretch.

Why it matters

The JM Eagle LA Championship is the final tune-up event before the first women's major of the season, the Chevron Championship. Kim's strong play heading into the major will make her a player to watch next week in Houston.

The details

Kim birdied two of the first three holes and then made a big move on the back nine with five birdies in a seven-hole stretch. First-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan was tied for second with Ina Yoon of South Korea. Iwai followed her opening 63 with a 68, while Yoon had a 64 and played her opening nine holes in 7-under 29.

  • Kim shot her second straight 7-under 65 on Friday at El Caballero.
  • The Chevron Championship, the first women's major of the season, is next week in Houston.

The players

Sei Young Kim

A 33-year-old South Korean player who has 13 LPGA Tour titles, including the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

Chizzy Iwai

A Japanese player who won her first LPGA Tour event last year in Mexico.

Ina Yoon

A South Korean player who is winless on the LPGA Tour.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to keep moving forward the next two days. I try to move forward whatever my position.”

— Sei Young Kim, LPGA Player

“I like aggressive golf. I think tomorrow I need to be aggressive.”

— Chizzy Iwai, LPGA Player

“I never shot 29 for nine holes in my life. It was unbelievable. The back nine was little bummer.”

— Ina Yoon, LPGA Player

What’s next

The final two rounds of the JM Eagle LA Championship will be played this weekend, leading into the first women's major of the season, the Chevron Championship, next week in Houston.

The takeaway

Kim's strong play heading into the Chevron Championship, the first women's major of the season, makes her a player to watch next week in Houston as she looks to add to her lone major title from the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.