PHOENIX – Nelly Korda is building momentum at the Ford Championship, carding a 7-under 65 on Friday and establishing a two-stroke lead at 16-under 128. The performance, achieved in more challenging afternoon conditions at the Cattail course at Whirlwind Golf Club, marks her lowest 36-hole score on the LPGA Tour. While a missed 2-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th prevented her from extending the lead further, Korda remains firmly in control as she seeks her second victory of the season.
The strong showing comes after a successful season opener in Florida, where the tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to inclement weather, and a runner-up finish last week at the Founders Cup in Northern California. Korda has strategically skipped the Asia swing in the past, focusing instead on events closer to home. This consistent performance underscores a clear upward trend in her game, and she expressed satisfaction with her current form, stating, “I’m really happy where my game is at now.”
A Familiar Rivalry Takes Shape
Chasing Korda is Hyo Joo Kim, the defending champion at the Ford Championship, who posted a 69 on Friday. Kim recently defeated Korda at the Founders Cup, holding off a late charge that included a missed putt by Korda on the 17th hole that would have secured a second consecutive win to start the year. The two will play together for the fourth consecutive round on Saturday, a pairing Korda acknowledged with a laugh, saying, “Just getting sick of each other now.”
Despite the playful banter, Korda recognizes the challenge Kim presents. “She’s playing such solid golf,” Korda said. “At the end of the day that’s something that motivates me to want to stay with her at that level. We’re just going back and forth, so it’s nice. At the end of the day we’re competitors, but we are extremely friendly. I’ve always enjoyed playing with her. I’m always mesmerized by her putting.”
Ko Struggles Despite Strong Start, Others Remain in Contention
Lydia Ko, who set the pace with a stunning 60 in the first round, found herself three shots behind Korda after a 71 on Friday. Ko attributed the difference to the more difficult afternoon conditions and firmer greens, noting that putts that fell in the opening round “burned the edge” on Friday. Despite the setback, she remains optimistic. “I feel like my game is trending in the right direction,” Ko said.
Joining Ko at 13-under are Jenny Bae, who also shot a 65 on Friday, and Minami Katsu, who carded a 66. The leaderboard remains tightly packed, suggesting a competitive final round is in store.
Talley Impresses as Amateur, Cut Eliminates Notable Players
Seventeen-year-old amateur Asterisk Talley continued to impress, posting a 65 and finding herself six shots off the lead at 10-under. Talley is preparing to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur next week, an event she nearly won last year. Her performance this week demonstrates her potential on the world stage.
The cut fell at 5-under 135, eliminating several notable players from contention, including Women’s British Open champion Miyu Yamashita of Japan and Lexi Thompson, who was making her season debut. The full leaderboard is available on the LPGA website.
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Final Rounds
Saturday’s round promises a compelling showdown between Korda and Kim, with Ko, Bae, and Katsu poised to challenge. The afternoon conditions are expected to remain challenging, testing the players’ ability to adapt and maintain consistency. Korda’s ability to minimize mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial as she aims to secure her second victory of the season.
The Ford Championship will continue Saturday with tee times beginning at 8:00 AM MST. Updates and live scoring will be available on the LPGA website and various sports news outlets.
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