Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda Share First-Round Lead at LPGA Drive on Championship
In a thrilling start to the LPGA Drive on Championship, Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard after shooting impressive rounds of 6-under 65 in the first round. The duo displayed their exceptional skills on the golf course, leaving their competitors trailing behind.
Ko, a former world No. 1, carried the momentum from her victory in the LPGA Tour's season opener into this event. The win at her home course in Lake Nona was Ko's first since 2022, and it clearly boosted her confidence. Despite trying to conserve her energy, Ko managed to keep her game sharp and shot a remarkable 65 to claim a share of the lead.
Speaking about the favorable circumstances of playing in Florida for back-to-back events, Ko expressed her delight. 'Yeah, you are obviously coming in with good momentum, and it's nice that we're going from Florida to Florida. It's not like we're in Florida and then we're having to go to Houston or anything like that,' she said. 'Just makes the start of the season stress-free.'
Starting her round on the back nine, Ko made the turn at 2 under par, thanks in part to a brilliant chip-in birdie. She finished strong with consecutive birdies to match the impressive score set by Korda, who played in the morning session. The wind conditions eased off toward the end of the day, providing Ko with a smoother closing stretch.
Korda, another former world No. 1, had a winless season on the LPGA Tour last year due to a back injury. However, she kicked off this tournament with determination and resilience, overcoming an early bogey to record six birdies in her next nine holes. Playing in her hometown, Korda benefited from the support of enthusiastic galleries as she showcased her exceptional shotmaking abilities.
The highlight of Korda's round came on the par-5 eighth hole. Facing a challenging shot of 257 yards to the pin, Korda unleashed a splendid 3-wood shot that found the perfect line and distance. The ball came to a rest close to the hole, setting up a tap-in birdie for the gifted golfer. Korda's exceptional shot demonstrated her composure and skill, proving why she is a formidable contender in this tournament.
While Ko and Korda set the pace in the first round, they were closely pursued by Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who finished just one shot back with an impressive 5-under 66. World No. 2, Ruoning Yin, was part of a large group at 67, which also included Sei Young Kim, a past major champion.
As the tournament progresses, the battle for supremacy promises to be intense, with a mix of established veterans and rising stars vying for the title. The LPGA Drive on Championship is off to an electrifying start, and golf fans around the world are eagerly anticipating more exhilarating performances in the coming days.
For golf enthusiasts, this event is yet another reminder of the talent and skill present in the LPGA Tour. With players like Ko, Korda, and Madsen showcasing their abilities on the golf course, the competition is sure to be fierce and the exciting moments plentiful.
As the tournament unfolds, spectators eagerly await the thrilling action that lies ahead. The LPGA Drive on Championship is poised to provide memorable moments and exceptional displays of golfing prowess, making it an event not to be missed for fans of the sport.
