Nelly Korda Takes Commanding Lead at Women’s British Open with Bogey-Free 68 at St. Andrews

Nelly Korda showcased her elite form at St. Andrews, shooting a bogey-free 4-under 68 to seize a three-stroke lead at the Women’s British Open. With this performance, she stands at 8-under par, highlighting her adaptability to various conditions. Competing alongside defending champion Lilia Vu and home favorite Charley Hull, Korda outperformed them despite Hull’s overnight lead. Hull, tied for second with Vu at 5-under, expressed confidence, noting the manageable three-shot deficit as they head into the weekend. Ruoning Yin and Olympic champion Lydia Ko also remain in contention, while only 20 players are under par after two windy rounds. Korda aims to improve on her previous best finish at this major, stating her focus on taking one shot at a time as she embraces the challenges of links golf. The forecast predicts calmer weather for the weekend, potentially favoring players still in the hunt.

Nelly Korda is showcasing her exceptional skills once again at the historic St. Andrews, taking charge of the Women’s British Open after a stellar second-round performance. The world’s top-ranked American golfer delivered a flawless, bogey-free 4-under 68 on Friday, securing a three-stroke advantage at the championship.

Unfortunately for Canada’s Brooke Henderson, her campaign came to an end as she struggled with a second-round score of 76, finishing at 9 over par for the tournament.

Korda’s ability to adapt has been impressive, especially in the variable conditions of links golf. “This year, I’ve found success on a variety of grass types and in different conditions, which requires constant adaptation,” Korda commented, now sitting at 8-under for the event. “It’s similar to tennis and life—you’re always adjusting to what’s in front of you. Links golf, in particular, is exciting; I find myself aiming 30 yards left of my target and executing shots that fit the conditions. It’s a lot of fun, especially with those low drivers.”

After her latest round, Korda leads the tournament with a clean scorecard, posting -8 overall.

She played alongside defending champion Lilia Vu and England’s Charley Hull, a fan favorite, in a group that did not disappoint. Hull, who began the tournament with a first-round 67, managed an even-par round and is now tied for second at 5 under with Vu, who carded a 70.

Despite trailing by three strokes, Hull remains optimistic. “Being only three shots behind is manageable, especially on this course,” said Hull, ranked No. 10. “I left a number of putts out there today; Nelly had 30 putts while I made 36. That’s where I’ve lost some ground.”

Ruoning Yin, the previous year’s Women’s PGA Championship winner from China, is in solo fourth place with a score of 4 under after a round of 72. Olympic champion Lydia Ko shot a 70 and is part of a group of six players at 3 under, five strokes back from Korda, including Swedish amateur Louise Rydqvist, who impressed with a 67.

After two challenging, windy days at the Old Course, only 20 players managed to finish under par. As we approach the weekend, the weather forecast looks promising, calling for calmer conditions.

Korda began the day one stroke back of Hull, who faltered early with two bogeys in her first five holes. Korda took advantage, sinking long putts for birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 for the second consecutive day.

With a new putter in hand, Korda notched another birdie at the par-5 fifth hole and then two-putted from the fringe at No. 9 for another birdie after nearly driving the green. Vu and Hull also managed to birdie the final hole, keeping them within three strokes of Korda.

As Korda aims to surpass her best finish of ninth place at the Women’s British Open in 2019, she remains focused. “I’m concentrating on being present and concentrating solely on one shot at a time,” she stated. “I’m ready to take on whatever challenges golf and links golf present.”