Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont.
The United States increased its lead over Canada after the second round of play at the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship.
Mika Liu (69) and Angel Yin (72) counted a second round team total of 3-under-141 to build a 12 stroke lead over the Canadian team on Monday at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. The third member of the American squad, Megan Khang carded a non-counting 73 and trails Liu for the overall individual lead by one stroke.
Liu had a pair of bogeys, three birdies and an eagle on the 380 yard par-4 10th, holing out from 177 yards.
"My first plan was to get in on the green," said the 15-year-old. "I was between a 5-hyrid and a 5-wood and I decided to go with the hybrid to play it safe. I hit my shot and all of a sudden the Australian coach just started standing up and clapping and clapping. I was like, what's going on? I got up there and my ball was in the hole."
Brooke Henderson led the Canadian charge with a round of 73 which leaves her tied for third in the individual standings. The No. 1 ranked amateur in the world from Smiths Falls, Ont. teamed with Grace St. Germain of Ottawa for a total of 2-over 146, 12 strokes behind the Americans. Naomi Ko of Victoria shot a non-counting 79.
Henderson had a large gallery following her on Monday as a charter bus filled with 45 high school classmates made the three-and-a-half hour drive from Smiths Falls to cheer her on.
The second Canadian team of Jaclyn Lee (77) of Calgary, Selena Costabile (74) of Thornhill, Ont. and Alisha Lau (80) of Richmond, B.C. currently sit 13th.
Denmark moved into a share of third following an impressive round of 5-under 67 from 15-year old Line Hansen. They are tied with Italy at 4-over par while Spain rounds out the top five a further stroke back.