Chandler, Arizona, March 28, 2026
Nelly Korda has surged ahead with a 2-shot lead at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, held at the Cattail Course in Phoenix. Achieving her lowest 36-hole score of 16-under 128, she delivered a stellar second round with a 7-under 65. Korda’s performance included an eagle on the 12th hole and four birdies, securing her position ahead of competitors like Hyo Joo Kim and Lydia Ko. This tournament marks Korda’s strongest scoring start in her LPGA career, highlighting her exceptional gameplay.
Chandler, Arizona –
Nelly Korda Hits Her Stride and Builds 2-shot Lead in Phoenix
Nelly Korda has seized a 2-shot lead at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2026, taking place at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Korda’s performance, highlighted by her lowest 36-hole score of her LPGA career at 16-under 128, establishes her strongest scoring start in an LPGA event.
Dominant Second Round Performance
Playing in tougher afternoon conditions Friday, March 28, 2026, Korda carded an impressive 7-under 65. A significant moment in her round was an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, achieved by reaching the green in two and sinking a long putt. She recorded four birdies on the front nine and made one bogey on the par-3 sixth hole. Korda was 3-under for the day before her eagle on the 12th and added two more birdies before finishing with consecutive pars. Although she missed a 2-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th, she still secured her lead.
Chasing Pack and Tournament Context
Korda holds a two-shot advantage over defending champion Hyo Joo Kim, who finished the second round with a 69. First-round leader Lydia Ko, who previously shot a career-low 60 on Thursday, recorded a 71 and is now tied for third at 13-under. Also at 13-under are Jenny Bae and Minami Katsu. The tournament cut was made at 5-under 135. Korda had previously won the Phoenix-area tournament in 2024 at a different course, the Seville Golf and Country Club. She was also a runner-up to Hyo Joo Kim last week at the Founders Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Nelly Korda’s current lead in the Ford Championship?
- Nelly Korda has seized a 2-shot lead at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2026.
- What is significant about Nelly Korda’s performance in this tournament?
- Her performance is highlighted by her lowest 36-hole score of her LPGA career at 16-under 128, establishing her strongest scoring start in an LPGA event.
- What was Nelly Korda’s score in the second round of the Ford Championship, and what were some key shots?
- Korda carded an impressive 7-under 65. A significant moment was an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, achieved by reaching the green in two and sinking a long putt. She also recorded four birdies on the front nine and made one bogey on the par-3 sixth hole. She missed a 2-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th.
- Where is the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2026 taking place?
- The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2026 is taking place at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona.
- Who are the other top contenders in the Ford Championship?
- Korda holds a two-shot advantage over defending champion Hyo Joo Kim, and Lydia Ko is tied for third at 13-under with Jenny Bae and Minami Katsu.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Nelly Korda |
| Tournament | Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2026 |
| Location | Chandler, Arizona (Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club) |
| Current Lead | 2 shots |
| Total Score | 16-under 128 (36 holes) |
| Round 2 Score | 7-under 65 (Friday, March 28, 2026) |
| Key Shot (Round 2) | Eagle on par-5 12th hole |
| Career Milestone | Lowest 36-hole score, best scoring start in LPGA career |
| Main Competitors | Hyo Joo Kim (2nd), Lydia Ko (T3rd) |
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