March 27, 2026

Lydia Ko Makes Historic Start at LPGA Ford Championship

Phoenix, Arizona, March 27, 2026

Lydia Ko of New Zealand achieved a remarkable 12-under 60 in the opening round of the LPGA Ford Championship, taking a one-stroke lead. South Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo also performed exceptionally well with an 11-under 61, while Nelly Korda sits in third with a 9-under 63. The tournament held at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Phoenix witnessed unprecedented scoring conditions, with two players finishing in double digits under par for the first time since 2003.

PHOENIX, Arizona – Lydia Ko of New Zealand delivered a historic performance in the opening round of the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on Thursday, carding a career-low 12-under 60 to seize an early one-stroke lead. South Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo also produced an exceptional round, finishing with an 11-under 61, while American star Nelly Korda sits in third place after shooting a 9-under 63. The day saw remarkably low scores across the field at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course, marking an extraordinary start to the tournament.

Ko’s Record-Setting Round

Ko’s sensational 60 featured an impressive 12 birdies and not a single bogey. She began her round with four consecutive birdies, setting the tone for her dominant display. The 28-year-old nearly achieved a rare 59, which would have been only the second in LPGA history. Her outstanding play follows a recent change to a Scotty Cameron 12 putter for the event.

Chasing Pack Delivers Low Scores

Hot on Ko’s heels is defending champion Kim Hyo-joo, who posted an 11-under 61, including one eagle and nine birdies. Kim, who also won the Fortinet Founders Cup just last week, demonstrated strong form. Nelly Korda, a 2024 winner of the Ford Championship, is positioned in third place after her 9-under 63, a round that included an eagle on the par-4 18th hole.

Unprecedented Scoring Conditions

The first round of the LPGA Ford Championship was characterized by extremely favorable scoring conditions. It is the first time since the 2003 Kellogg-Keebler Classic that two players finished double digits under par in an opening round. Ko’s 60 is the ninth round of 60 or lower recorded in LPGA history. The tournament, which features a purse of $2.25 million, continues through March 29, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Lydia Ko’s score in the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship?

Lydia Ko carded a career-low 12-under 60 in the opening round of the LPGA Ford Championship.

Who is in second place after the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship?

Kim Hyo-joo is in second place, having shot an 11-under 61.

What was Nelly Korda’s score in the first round?

Nelly Korda finished the first round with a 9-under 63.

Where is the LPGA Ford Championship being held?

The LPGA Ford Championship is being held at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Phoenix, Arizona.

When did the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship take place?

The first round of the LPGA Ford Championship took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Key Features of the LPGA Ford Championship First Round

Feature	Details
Tournament Name	LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass
Location	Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course, Phoenix, Arizona
Date of First Round	Thursday, March 26, 2026
Leader	Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
Leader’s Score	12-under 60 (Career-low)
Second Place	Kim Hyo-joo (South Korea)
Second Place Score	11-under 61
Third Place	Nelly Korda (USA)
Third Place Score	9-under 63
Significant Detail	First time since 2003 two players were double digits under par in opening round
Tournament Purse	$2.25 million