Nelly Korda Finds Her Rhythm, Opens 2-Shot Lead In Phoenix

Nelly Korda continued her strong form in Phoenix, carding a 7-under 65 to take a two-shot lead after 36 holes at the Ford Championship. Her total of 16-under 128 marked the lowest 36-hole score of her LPGA Tour career, and it kept her in control as the tournament moved into the weekend at Whirlwind Golf Club.

Korda handled tougher afternoon conditions with a steady round built on birdie chances and reliable putting. Her only real miss late came on the par-5 17th, where she left a 2-foot birdie putt short, but the lapse did not stop her from extending her advantage over a competitive leaderboard.

Korda stays sharp under pressure

The world-class consistency Korda showed Friday stood out even more because the scoring window was less favorable than in the morning. Greens played firmer later in the day, yet Korda stayed patient and avoided the kind of mistakes that can quickly erase a lead.

“I have left a couple shots out there at the end,” Korda said. “But I’m playing really solid golf, and when I do make a mistake, I try not go let it faze me too much.”

That mindset has helped her stay near the top of the LPGA board throughout the early season. After winning the opener in Florida and finishing runner-up last week, Korda has turned a strong stretch into a clear title push in Phoenix.

Hyo Joo Kim remains the main challenger

Hyo Joo Kim sits two shots behind after a 69, recovering from an early error to stay within range of the lead. Kim also won last week and is the defending champion in Phoenix, making the weekend pairing with Korda especially meaningful.

The two have now been grouped together for four straight rounds, creating a familiar head-to-head battle that has become one of the event’s main storylines. Korda acknowledged the rivalry while also pointing to the respect between them.

“Just getting sick of each other now,” Korda said with a laugh. “Yeah, she’s playing such solid golf. At the end of the day that’s something that motivates me to want to stay with her at that level.”

Other contenders keep the chase alive

Lydia Ko remained in contention despite a sharper drop from her first-round 60, adding a 71 to move three shots back. Jenny Bae, Minami Katsu, and Asterisk Talley also stayed in the chase, showing how crowded the upper tier remains heading into the final two rounds.

Ko said the tougher afternoon conditions made scoring more difficult, especially when putts started sliding away from the hole. Still, she remains confident her game is moving in the right direction, and the rest of the field will need that kind of consistency to catch Korda.

Key names near the top after 36 holes

1. Nelly Korda: 16-under 128, led by 2 shots.
2. Hyo Joo Kim: one of the closest challengers after a 69.
3. Lydia Ko: three shots back after following a 60 with a 71.
4. Jenny Bae: also at 13-under.
5. Minami Katsu: also at 13-under.
6. Asterisk Talley: 10-under and six shots behind.

Scoring remained low enough that the cut settled at 5-under 135, with notable players such as Women’s British Open champion Miyu Yamashita and Lexi Thompson failing to advance. With Korda in form, Kim close behind, and several proven contenders still within striking distance, the weekend at the Ford Championship is set up for a tight finish in Phoenix.