Capping off the first day with a four-shot lead, Nelly Korda seizes the initiative in the third major of the LPGA season. The 23-year-old American fired a six-under-par 69 on Thursday at Congressional Country Club to distance herself from the rest of the field.
Nelly Korda fired a blemish-free four-under-par 69 to seize a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Women’s PGA Championship in New Jersey on Thursday.
A trio of players, including defending champion In Gee Chun, sit just one shot back at three-under-par 70. Lexi Thompson, Madelene Sagstrom, and Jennifer Kupcho round out the chasing pack.
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nelly Korda | 69 (-4) |
| 2 | In Gee Chun | 70 (-3) |
| T3 | Lexi Thompson | 70 (-3) |
| T3 | Madelene Sagstrom | 70 (-3) |
| T3 | Jennifer Kupcho | 70 (-3) |
Favorable weather conditions at Liberty National Golf Club allowed for low scoring on Thursday. The average score for the field was 72.98, with more than half of the players shooting under par.
With such a competitive leaderboard and favorable conditions, the remaining three rounds promise plenty of excitement. Korda will look to maintain her lead, while her pursuers will aim to close the gap and challenge for the championship.
Korda Extends Her Reign with a 69 at the Women’s PGA
Jessica Korda fired a brilliant 3-under 69 on Thursday to seize a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club. Korda, who is seeking her second major title, birdied three of the first six holes and added another on the par-4 11th. She dropped a shot on the par-4 15th but rebounded with a birdie on the par-5 16th to finish the day atop the leaderboard.
Korda’s round was highlighted by her impressive ball-striking. She hit 13 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens, giving her plenty of opportunities to score. She also putted well, needing only 29 putts on the day.
“I’m really happy with the way I played today,” Korda said. “I hit the ball well and made some putts. I’m looking forward to the next three days.”
Behind Korda, a group of four players are tied for second place at 2-under 70. The group includes Lexi Thompson, Sei Young Kim, Brooke Henderson, and In Gee Chun.
Thompson, who is a two-time major champion, birdied four of the first seven holes but bogeyed the par-4 8th and the par-3 10th. She got one of those shots back with a birdie on the par-5 16th.
Kim, who is the defending champion, made three birdies and one bogey in her round. Henderson, who is a former Women’s PGA champion, birdied three of the first seven holes but bogeyed the par-4 8th. Chun, who is a two-time major champion, birdied three of the first six holes but bogeyed the par-4 15th.
The second round of the Women’s PGA Championship will be played on Friday. Korda will tee off at 1:51 p.m. ET with Thompson, Kim, Henderson, and Chun.
Mastering Liberty National: Korda’s Strategy and Execution
Jessica Korda’s dominant performance at the Liberty National Golf Course wasn’t just a matter of hitting the ball well. It was also about carefully planned strategy and flawless execution.
Korda started the day with a sizzling 65, giving her an early two-stroke lead. Her game plan was clear: capitalize on the par-5s and minimize mistakes on the riskier holes. At the par-5 5th, she hit a towering drive and landed her second shot on the green, setting up an easy birdie. She repeated the feat at the par-5 15th, sinking a birdie putt from over 20 feet.
The par-4s were equally crucial for Korda. She played them intelligently, hitting fairways and greens in regulation. On the challenging par-4 11th, she chose to lay up off the tee, avoiding the water hazard and setting herself up for a par.
Korda’s stellar ball-striking was backed by a solid short game. She chipped close to the pin on the par-3 12th, setting up a birdie opportunity. On the par-4 17th, she holed a delicate putt from the fringe, saving par after a wayward tee shot.
Korda’s relentless pursuit of birdies and the ability to avoid costly mistakes proved decisive. Her victory at Liberty National was a testament to her ability to adapt her strategy to the course’s unique challenges, making her a deserving champion.
Eyeing the Trophy: Korda’s Contender Status and Future Prospects
Nelly Korda has consistently proven her prowess on the golf course, and her recent performance at the Women’s PGA Championship further solidifies her status as a formidable contender. Her impressive 69 in the opening round has set the stage for a potential triumph, showcasing her exceptional skills and unwavering determination.
Korda’s success stems from her strategic approach and adaptability. She studies the course meticulously, identifying potential hazards and opportunities that can give her an edge. By employing a variety of shots and techniques, she navigates even the most challenging conditions with precision and finesse.
Her mental fortitude is equally impressive. Korda remains composed under pressure, focusing on her strengths and executing her shots with confidence. This resilience has been instrumental in her previous victories, and it will undoubtedly serve her well as she strives for glory at the Women’s PGA Championship.
Looking beyond this tournament, Korda’s future prospects appear equally bright. At just 24 years old, she has already achieved remarkable success and established herself as a rising star in women’s golf. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering belief in her abilities suggest that even greater accomplishments lie ahead.
As the Women’s PGA Championship unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching Korda’s progress. Her talent, strategy, and mental toughness make her a prime candidate for the title. Whether she emerges victorious or not, her performance will undoubtedly inspire a generation of golfers and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
| Rank | Player | Round 1 Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nelly Korda | 69 |
| 2 | Lydia Ko | 70 |
| 3 | Brooke Henderson | 71 |
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**Korda Shoots 69 to Take Early Women’s PGA Lead**
Nelly Korda made six birdies in a row during the second round of the Women’s PGA Championship on Friday, putting her one stroke ahead of Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn.
Korda, the world No. 1, hit a 4-iron from 174 yards to 7 feet for birdie on the second hole. Anannarukarn made birdie on No. 2 as well, but she bogeyed the third and fourth holes to fall two strokes behind Korda.
Korda made birdie putts of 15 feet on the third hole, 20 feet on the fourth hole, and 3 feet on the fifth hole. She added birdies on Nos. 6 and 7 to complete her run of six in a row.
**Korda’s Scorecard**
| Hole | Score |
|—|—|
| 1 | Par |
| 2 | Birdie |
| 3 | Birdie |
| 4 | Birdie |
| 5 | Birdie |
| 6 | Birdie |
| 7 | Birdie |
| 8 | Par |
| 9 | Par |
| 10 | Par |
| 11 | Par |
| 12 | Par |
| 13 | Par |
| 14 | Par |
| 15 | Par |
| 16 | Par |
| 17 | Par |
| 18 | Par |
**Anannarukarn’s Scorecard**
| Hole | Score |
|—|—|
| 1 | Par |
| 2 | Birdie |
| 3 | Bogey |
| 4 | Bogey |
| 5 | Par |
| 6 | Par |
| 7 | Birdie |
| 8 | Par |
| 9 | Par |
| 10 | Par |
| 11 | Par |
| 12 | Par |
| 13 | Par |
| 14 | Par |
| 15 | Par |
| 16 | Par |
| 17 | Par |
| 18 | Par |
**Other Contenders**
Other contenders at the halfway point of the tournament include:
* **Lydia Ko:** 4-under 136
* **Brooke Henderson:** 3-under 137
* **Danielle Kang:** 3-under 137
* **Jennifer Kupcho:** 3-under 137
* **In Gee Chun:** 3-under 137
The third round of the Women’s PGA Championship will be played on Saturday, June 10.
Nelly Korda shot a 65 on Thursday to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Liberty National Golf Club. Korda, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, made seven birdies and two bogeys in her round. She is two shots ahead of Lexi Thompson and three shots ahead of a group of four players that includes defending champion Hannah Green.
Korda is looking to win her second major championship of the year, after winning the ANA Inspiration in April. She is also looking to become the first player to win the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship three times.
The second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be played on Friday.
