Korda Shares Lead at Mizuho Open
Defending champion Nelly Korda showcased her skill at the Mizuho Americas Open, finishing the round with a strong late surge that included three birdies in the final five holes, resulting in a score of 4-under 68. This performance positioned her at the top of the leaderboard alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Somi Lee, who both achieved scores of 68.
Course Challenges
The conditions at Liberty National, due to rain and cloud cover, presented significant challenges for the players, making the course play longer than usual. Notably, on the par-4 ninth hole, both Korda and Thitikul needed to use fairway metals for their approach shots. Korda noted the importance of maintaining focus and adaptability under such conditions.
Strong Performances Amid Difficulties
Somi Lee, from South Korea, produced a remarkable round featuring seven birdies, despite dealing with two bogeys that resulted in an overall score of 8-under 136. Korda emphasized the necessity of concentration to navigate the unpredictable weather effectively.
Thitikul's Mixed Results
Jeeno Thitikul, who began the round with a two-stroke lead following a strong opening score of 64, experienced a mixed performance, ultimately finishing with a score of 73. Even though she started strong with three birdies in four holes, she encountered challenges that resulted in four bogeys.
Impressive Groupings
In addition to the leaders, several notable players were close behind with a score of 137, including Celine Boutier and Carlota Ciganda. Boutier expressed her thoughts on the tough conditions, stating that the dropping temperatures made it increasingly difficult towards the end of her round.
Looking Forward
The tournament at Liberty National continues to highlight the resilience and adaptability of the competitors as they face challenging weather. Fans can look forward to an exciting finish as top contenders compete for the championship title.
