Leona Maguire slipped back on day two at The ANNIKA after carding a two-over 72 in Florida which has left the Cavan woman eight shots off the lead at the tournament's halfway mark.
Maguire had finished Thursday's opening round at the Pelican Golf Course tied for fourth after a 67.
Friday began in steady fashion, with neither a birdie or a bogey on her first nine holes after starting on the 10th. There would be no birdies on the front nine either but bogeys on five and seven dropped her back to one under and a tie for 32nd.
Australia's Grace Kim and Swedish player Linn Grant share the lead on nine under after posting a 66 and 63 respectively.
Overnight leader Ryu Hae-ran is just one stroke adrift of the pair after a 68 and the South Korean is in a share of third with USA's Jennifer Kupcho (66).
Mexico's Gaby Lopez shot a 64 to move into sole possession of fifth place at seven under, while World No. 2 Nelly Korda also posted a 63 and is tied at six under with Auston Kim (65), Lauren Coughlin (66) and Spain's Carlota Ciganda (65).
Grant actually began her second round with a bogey at the par-4 10th before rallying with three birdies in a row. She wrapped up her round with eight birdies after hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation.
Like most golfers from Sweden, Grant grew up idolising Annika Sorenstam, for whom this tournament is named.
"I played in Annika's events since I was 14, 13," Grant said. "You know, I met her pretty much every year since then, getting all her tips and tricks. Not entirely getting to know her, but a little bit I assume, and just learning a bit from her, seeing her and kind of feeling like it's possible to play out here, and she's been a huge inspiration.
"Just having this event and what she does for all the juniors back home is so big. I mean, I feel like she could do anything, but she gives back so much."
Meanwhile, Kim is in great position for her third LPGA win after she captured her first major, the Evian Championship, this past July in France.
"I just kind of kept my mojo going," Kim said after she followed an opening-round 65 with a 66.
"Just hit lots of fairways and tried to make a lot of putts. It helped probably I hit a few more close today, making more easier birdies. Yeah, I guess just stayed in my lane really."
