Lauren Coughlin makes LPGA history with nine straight birdies

Lauren Coughlin made LPGA Tour history on Saturday, opening her second round at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship with nine consecutive birdies to card a 9-under 26 — the lowest nine-hole score ever recorded on the circuit.

The 33-year-old American, who started on the back nine at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas, became the first player ever to open an LPGA round with nine straight birdies. She parred the par-four first to end the streak, then birdied the par-three third to raise hopes of the first 59 on the LPGA Tour since Annika Sorenstam in 2001, before six closing pars left her with a 10-under 61.

Coughlin tied the LPGA record for consecutive birdies, matching Amy Yang (2015) and Beth Daniel (1999). Only Yang had previously birdied every hole of a single nine, shooting 27 in 2015.

The round was a remarkable turnaround after an opening 2-over 73 on Friday. Coughlin moved to eight under, eight shots behind leader Yuna Nishimura, who carded back-to-back 63s to reach 16 under.

“I was making a lot of those mid-range putts,” Coughlin said. “Everything just seemed to be going exactly how far I wanted it to, right at the hole.”

Sources: Sky Sports, Golf Channel, Golfweek, Golf Digest