Wu Chia-yen Shoots 74 in Second Round of U.S. Women's Open, Sole Taiwanese Player to Make Cut

(CNA, by reporter Li Chien-chung, Taipei, June 6) The second round of the 2026 U.S. Women's Open concluded today. Taiwanese star Wu Chia-yen, who plays in Japan, recorded 1 birdie, 2 bogeys, and 1 double bogey to shoot a 74. Fortunately, her two-day total of 146, 4-over-par, was enough to make the cut, placing her in a tie for 55th.

The U.S. Women's Open, hosted by the USGA, features a total prize purse of $12 million (approximately NT$370 million). The tournament is being held at The Riviera Country Club in California, which is also the designated venue for the golf competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Four Taiwanese players competed in this year's event. Besides Yani Tseng, who received a special exemption, the other three—Chien Pei-yun, Wu Chia-yen, and amateur Lin Chieh-en—all earned their spots through regional qualifiers.

Wu Chia-yen, 22, has already secured two championships on the Japan Ladies' Tour. This is her first appearance at the U.S. Open. Starting on the 10th hole today, she made two bogeys on her front nine. After making the turn, she finally carded a birdie on the par-5 1st hole.

Wu then played steadily, making a string of pars, but unfortunately stumbled on the 8th hole with a double bogey. Nevertheless, she successfully made the cut in the end.

Today, Wu improved her driving accuracy, hitting 71.4% of fairways, a significant improvement from the first round. However, her usually reliable iron play was off, with a greens-in-regulation percentage of only 44%, forcing her to rely on scrambling to save par and leaving her with few birdie opportunities.

Chien Pei-yun, competing in the event for the first time in nine years, finished with a score of 148, tying for 81st. Yani Tseng shot 149, and amateur youngster Lin Chieh-en ended with 155. All three unfortunately missed the cut.

The cut was set at 4-over-par 146, with a total of 68 players advancing to the final two rounds. After the first two rounds, Alison Lee of the United States and Yin Ruoning of China are tied for the lead at 138. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150606