Lydia Ko Leads LPGA’s Ford Championship

Beautiful golf course with players enjoying the game.

Chandler, Arizona, March 27, 2026

Lydia Ko has taken a one-shot lead in the LPGA’s Ford Championship after an incredible first round at the Whirlwind Golf Club. She achieved a career-low score of 60, marked by 12 birdies without any bogeys. This performance places her just shy of the LPGA record for a single round of 59. With close competition from last year’s champion Hyo Joo Kim and Nelly Korda, the tournament promises thrilling action as it progresses over the next few days.

Go low Lydia Ko leads LPGA’s Ford Championship

Chandler, Arizona – Lydia Ko has established a one-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA’s Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, carding a career-low score of 60.

Exceptional Opening Round

The New Zealand Hall of Famer delivered a remarkable performance on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course. Her 12-under par round began with four consecutive birdies and included a total of 12 birdies without a bogey, placing her in a strong position. Ko’s impressive score nearly matched the LPGA record for a single round of 59, an achievement only recorded once before. She attributed some of her success to a new putter being used at the tournament.

Tight Competition

The Ford Championship is proving to be a high-scoring event, with several players close behind Ko. South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim, the defending champion, is in second place, just one shot back after an 11-under 61 in the first round. Nelly Korda is also in contention, holding third place with a 9-under 63. The tournament, which runs from March 26-29, 2026, also saw Jessica Korda return to official LPGA play for the first time since May 2023, finishing her first round with an even-par 72.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is leading the LPGA’s Ford Championship?

    Lydia Ko is leading the LPGA’s Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass after posting a career-low round of 60.

  • What was Lydia Ko’s score in the first round?

    Lydia Ko scored a 12-under par 60 in the first round of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.

  • Who is in second place at the Ford Championship?

    South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim is one shot behind Lydia Ko, holding second place with an 11-under 61.

  • What is notable about Lydia Ko’s round?

    Lydia Ko’s round of 60 is a career-low for her on the LPGA Tour and included four consecutive birdies to start, nearly matching the LPGA record for a single round of 59.

  • When is the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass taking place?

    The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is taking place from March 26-29, 2026.

Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass: Key Leaderboard Features (After Round 1)

Player Score (First Round) Key Highlights
Lydia Ko 60 (-12) Career-low round, one-shot lead, started with four consecutive birdies, used a new putter.
Hyo Joo Kim 61 (-11) One shot behind leader, defending champion.
Nelly Korda 63 (-9) Holds third place.
Jessica Korda 72 (Even-par) First official LPGA round since May 2023.


Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Lydia Ko Leads Ford Championship with Record 12-Under 60
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Lydia Ko Sets New Career Low at Ford Championship
Lydia Ko Sets Record with 12-Under-Par 60 in Phoenix
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