'Lauren Coughlin stays in first place at CPKC Women's Open'

Lauren Coughlin, an experienced 31-year-old golfer without a win, maintained her top position after the second round of the CPKC Women's Open on Friday in Calgary.

Coughlin shot a 2-under-par 70 at Earl Grey Golf Club on Friday and ended up at 6-under 138. She is one shot ahead of South Korea's Haeran Ryu, who recorded a second-round 69, and Australia's Hannah Green, who shot a 70 on Friday.

Lilia Vu (70), Jennifer Kupcho (72) and Lydia Ko from New Zealand (71) are tied for fourth place at 3 under.

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Ryann O'Toole (68), Ally Ewing (69), Rose Zhang (71), Japan's Yuri Yoshida (71), South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi (72) and Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn (73) are all tied for seventh place at 2 under.

Coughlin, who finished in the top five in two major tournaments earlier this year, is excited to be playing in the final group this weekend.

"Being in the final group means you're playing really well. Plus, you get to sleep in, which is nice," she said. "I'm looking forward to it. There are still two more rounds to go. I'm just trying to stay focused on each shot and not get too ahead of myself."

Coughlin birdied three of her first five holes on Friday, then made 12 pars and one bogey (at the par-4 11th hole) for the rest of the round.

"The front nine is where you have to take advantage," Coughlin said. "If you don't, the back nine can really trip you up."

Ryu was tied for the lead until she bogeyed the par-4 18th hole. Her round was a mix of seven birdies and four bogeys.

Green also had an up-and-down round, with five birdies and three bogeys.

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"It was tough out there again," Green said. "There were some strong wind gusts, especially on our last few holes, so it was difficult to commit to the shots we wanted to hit."

"I'm glad to be finished for the day and able to relax now."

Megan Khang, last year's champion when the event was held in Vancouver, shot a 71 on Friday and is currently tied for 26th place at 1 over par.