An Takes Narrow Lead in LPGA Season Finale
Inbee An has surged ahead in the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship, holding a slim one-shot lead over Cristie Kerr as she approaches the finish line. The South Korean golfer, who previously claimed victory in this tournament in both 2019 and 2021, carded an impressive 4-under 66 with three holes remaining at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Meanwhile, world number two Nelly Korda finds herself eight shots off the pace after posting a score of 69, placing her tied for 12th.
Late-Blooming Kaufman Shines at CME Group Tour Championship
Anna Kaufman has emerged as a surprising contender at this year’s season-ending event. The relatively new face on the LPGA circuit took a one-shot lead into the weekend rounds after delivering a flawless bogey-free performance with a score of 66 on Friday. This brings her total to an impressive 10-under par for the tournament.
Kaufman’s closest competitor is fellow American Mina Harigae, who sits just behind her after shooting a solid round of 68. World No. 1 Nelly Korda trails significantly at two under par (142), tied for third place and eight strokes behind Kaufman.
Kaufman’s Impressive Form
This year marks Kaufman’s breakout season on tour as she competes in only her third year on the LPGA circuit. She celebrated her first title win earlier this year at the Marathon Classic and has since secured three second-place finishes while also vying for the Vare Trophy awarded to players with exceptional scoring averages.
Harigae’s Steady Pursuit
Mina Harigae is also making waves this week as she seeks her inaugural LPGA victory. After starting with a round of 69 followed by an improved performance of 68, Harigae’s strong putting skills have been pivotal to her success thus far.
Korda Faces Challenges
Nelly Korda’s journey has not been smooth sailing; despite winning four times earlier this season, she struggled during these rounds—beginning with an uncharacteristic score of 73 followed by a modest improvement to a score of 69 on Friday. To reclaim contention for another CME Group Tour Championship title, she’ll need significant improvements over the weekend.
Other Notable Competitors
A few other players are worth keeping an eye on: Lydia Ko is currently tied for fifth place at one under par (143), while Atthaya Thitikul shares eighth place sitting even-par (144).
| Rank | Player | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | An Na-Rin | -10 (134) |
| 2 | Mina Harigae | -9 (135) |
| T3 | Nelly Korda | -2 (142) |
| T6 < td >Lydia Ko < td >-1(143) < tr >< th >T8< / th >< th >Atthaya Thitikul< / th >< th >Even(144)< / th > < / table > Korda’s Hurdles Hamper Title AspirationsNelly Korda finds herself trailing leader Jennifer Kupcho by eight strokes heading into Sunday’s final round following challenging starts throughout previous rounds—opening with a disappointing score of +2 before improving slightly to -3 overall across subsequent play days. |
