Chandler, Arizona, March 27, 2026
In a stunning display of skill, Lydia Ko achieved a career-low score of 12-under 60 in the opening round of the Ford Championship, taking a narrow lead. Starting with four consecutive birdies, the New Zealand golfer finished without a bogey, showcasing her remarkable talent on the Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona. With strong competition from defending champion Hyo Joo Kim and Nelly Korda, Ko’s performance brings her tantalizingly close to the LPGA’s elusive 59 record. The low scoring conditions make this event one to watch as the tournament progresses.
Lydia Ko Posts Career-Low 60 and Only Leads by 1 Shot Ford Championship
Phoenix, Arizona – Lydia Ko delivered a historic performance in the opening round of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, carding a career-low 12-under 60 to seize a one-shot lead. The remarkable round took place on Thursday at the Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona.
Exceptional Opening Round
The New Zealand native started her round with an impressive four consecutive birdies and maintained a bogey-free scorecard throughout the day, sinking a total of 12 birdies. Her outstanding play was partly attributed to a recent change in equipment, as she opted for a new putter earlier in the week.
The scoring conditions at the Ford Championship were exceptionally low, with Ko’s 60 highlighting a day of impressive performances.
Competitive Field Hot on Ko’s Heels
Defending champion Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea also had a stellar start, finishing just one stroke behind Ko with an 11-under 61. This marked the first time since the 2003 Kellogg-Keebler Classic that two players achieved double-digit under-par scores in the opening round of an LPGA event. American star Nelly Korda is also in close contention, three shots back after posting a 9-under 63.
Reflecting on a Near-Record
Ko’s exceptional round brought her close to a significant LPGA record. The idea of shooting a 59, a feat achieved only once in LPGA history by Annika Sorenstam 25 years ago in Phoenix, crossed Ko’s mind during her round. Despite not reaching the 59, her 60 stands as her best career round on the LPGA Tour and is only the eighth round of 60 or lower in Tour history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What score did Lydia Ko shoot in the opening round of the Ford Championship?
Lydia Ko shot a career-low 12-under 60 in the opening round of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. - Who is leading the Ford Championship after the first round?
Lydia Ko is leading the Ford Championship by one shot after the first round. - Which course is hosting the Ford Championship?
The Ford Championship is being held at the Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona. - Who is in second place after the first round of the Ford Championship?
Defending champion Hyo Joo Kim is in second place with an 11-under 61. - Has any other player scored double-digits under par in the opening round?
Yes, Hyo Joo Kim also scored double-digits under par with an 11-under 61, making it the first time since the 2003 Kellogg-Keebler Classic that two players were double digits under par in an opening round.
Ford Championship First Round Leaderboard Snapshot
| Player | Score | To Par |
|---|---|---|
| Lydia Ko | 60 | -12 |
| Hyo Joo Kim | 61 | -11 |
| Nelly Korda | 63 | -9 |
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