Bowie, a former University of Texas golfer who lives in Fort Worth, shot a 6-under-par 66 Friday, giving her a two-stroke lead after two rounds at the Women’s British Open. Pak, a four-time major winner, was tied with Wendy Ward in second place at 138, and Webb and Sorenstam also were within four shots.
Bowie’s best finish is a tie for second in April at El Caballero, Calif.
“I’m trying to respect the golf course but not be afraid,” she said. “It’s a fine line that I have to walk. If I can continue to walk it, I should be OK.”
Among the five players behind them at 5-under were Webb, the defending champion and winner of six majors, and this year’s Nabisco champion Patricia Meunier Lebouc of France.
Tied for ninth at 4-under was Sorenstam, a five-time major winner who slipped four shots off the lead after being just one behind on Thursday.
Faring worst of all Friday was Diana Luna of Italy. She shot a tournament-record 23-over 95, the highest score in the event since officials began keeping records 17 years ago. The previous worst in that timeframe was 92.
Bowie birdied five of the first 10 holes on the tricky links course and birdied the tough par-4 17th. She has a chance to emulate Hilary Lunke, who made the U.S. Open her first LPGA Tour victory by winning at Pumpkin Ridge a month ago.
