Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Nelly Korda Ford Championship lead story took shape on Friday in Phoenix, where the American posted a seven under 65 at Whirlwind Golf Club to reach 16 under par and take a two shot lead at the halfway point of the LPGA Tour event.
Korda backed up her opening round 63 with another composed performance on the Cattail course, marking the lowest 36 hole total of her LPGA Tour career. The strong start puts her in control heading into the weekend, with defending champion Hyo Joo Kim her closest challenger.
Korda builds lead with steady putting
From the fairways at Whirlwind Golf Club, Korda’s round was defined by consistency rather than risk. She repeatedly gave herself birdie chances and converted enough to keep momentum throughout the round.
Her only frustration came late in the round when she missed a short birdie putt on the par five 17th, which would have extended her lead further.
“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.”
Despite that miss, her control with the putter and ability to recover from minor errors reflected a confident and measured approach across both rounds.
Hyo Joo Kim stays within reach
Hyo Joo Kim, the defending Ford Championship winner, remains firmly in contention at 14 under after a second round 69. The South Korean has now played alongside Korda for four consecutive rounds dating back to last week’s Founders Cup.
Kim had opened with a 61 earlier in the tournament and recovered from early mistakes in round two to stay within striking distance.
“Just getting sick of each other now,” Korda said with a smile. “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.”
The pairing has quickly become one of the key storylines heading into the final two rounds.
Lydia Ko slips but remains in contention
Lydia Ko, who impressed with a first round 60, could not replicate that form and carded a one under 71. She sits three shots behind Korda alongside Jenny Bae and Minami Katsu.
Ko’s round highlighted the fine margins on the course, with several putts narrowly missing despite solid ball striking.
“I just didn't really hole many putts today,” Ko said. “It's obviously harder to get closer to the pins just playing in the afternoon and the greens being a little firmer.”
Her final hole summed up the day, with a well struck approach followed by a putt that looked on line before turning away late.
Australian players in the field
Karis Davidson is the leading Australian at nine under par after rounds of 69 and 66, placing her inside the top 15 heading into the weekend.
Robyn Choi and Cassie Porter are both at seven under, tied for 35th as they look to climb the leaderboard in the final rounds.
Weekend outlook in Phoenix
With two rounds remaining, Korda holds a narrow but important advantage. The course at Whirlwind Golf Club has rewarded aggressive play, but consistency on the greens continues to separate the leaders.
Historically, players who maintain putting accuracy under pressure tend to succeed on this layout, and Korda’s form suggests she is well positioned to contend for the title.