Nelly Korda faced another setback on Thursday at the Meijer LPGA Classic following her recent struggles at the U.S. Women's Open. The world's top-ranked golfer posted a 4-over 76 in challenging windy conditions at Blythefield Country Club, leaving her tied for 133rd in the 144-player field.
Korda's rough start included dropping four strokes in the first three holes, compounding her disappointing performance at the U.S. Women's Open where she missed the cut after shooting 80-70. This marked a stark contrast to her previous dominant form, having won six of her last seven tournaments, including a major victory that tied an LPGA Tour record.
Despite her early struggles, Korda managed to steady her game for the remainder of the round, offsetting three bogeys with three birdies after the challenging start. The defending champion at Blythefield, where she set a tournament record of 25 under par in 2021, will look to bounce back in the upcoming rounds.
Meanwhile, Alison Lee emerged as the early leader with an impressive 65, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole. Lee, still seeking her first LPGA Tour win, showcased strong putting and shot-making skills to take the top spot on the leaderboard.
Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson, a past champion of the event, sits two strokes behind Lee at 67 along with Jennifer Kupcho and a group of other contenders. The challenging windy conditions posed a significant test for the players, with Henderson praising her ability to make crucial par saves to maintain momentum during her round.
Notable performances included Lilia Vu's return from a back injury with a solid 69, and Lexi Thompson's steady 71 as she aims to end her winless streak. Thompson, a former champion, has announced that this will be her final year playing a full schedule on the tour.
As the Meijer LPGA Classic unfolds, golf fans can expect intense competition and exciting moments on the course as players strive for victory in this prestigious event.
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