Golf Apr 29, 2026

Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda sets 36-hole scoring to race six strokes clear in first women's major of 2026

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Chevron Championship: Nelly Korda sets 36-hole scoring to race six strokes clear in first women's major of 2026

Nelly Korda moved closer to a third major title as the world No 2 set the new 36-hole scoring record at the Chevron Championship to stretch her lead to six strokes heading into the weekend.

Korda, who won the Chevron two years ago, moved 14 under after carding a second-straight 65, with no-one else in the field shooting better than 67 across the first two days.

The world No 2 birdied her final two holes to streak further clear. She has made only one bogey through her opening two rounds at Memorial Park in Houston.

It marks the lowest 36-hole score in her career in the majors, and the third-best 36-hole score in LPGA majors behind Jeongeun Lee6 (127), Brooke Henderson (128) and In Gee Chun (129), all at the Evian Championship, the tournament in France the LPGA chose to designate as a major in 2013.

Korda's six-shot lead is also tied for the largest 36-hole lead at an LPGA major championship since 1980 with Patty in Sheehan 1990 and In Gee Chun in 2022.

"I'm comfortable with my game," Korda said. "I think where I'm the most comfortable is definitely with my mindset of knowing when I mess up I'll figure it out.

"Sometimes I think you get stuck in wanting to play well and wanting to be at the top always that you have this tension of not wanting to make a mistake."

Korda holds a six-shot lead over Patty Tavatanakit, alone in second on eight under, while Ina Yoon, Ryan O'Toole and Farah O'Keefe, one of eight amateurs in the field, are one futher back in a share of third.

World No 1 Jeeno Thitikul will be a shock omission over the weekend after missing the cut, following up her opening 74 with a 73 on Friday to finish three over.

LPGA rookie Mimi Rhodes, who had been in contention after an opening 69, also ended up missing the cut after dropping four shots over her final five holes to post a six-over 78.

Fellow English hopefuls Charlie Hull and Lottie Woad have made the weekend at two under and one over, respectively, after rounds of 70 and 72 on Friday.

Who will win The Chevron Championship? Live coverage of the third round begins on Saturday from 7pm on Your Site Golf.

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Solheim Cup - Anna Nordqvist captain's column: Player and caddie clothes fitting and navigating a dual role

Solheim Cup - Anna Nordqvist captain's column: Player and caddie clothes fitting and navigating a dual role

Welcome to my second Captain’s Corner! This year, you can follow my journey as the European Solheim Cup Captain all the way up to the event, taking pl...

Gary Woodland completes inspirational comeback after brain surgery and PTSD, urges those struggling to 'keep fighting'

Gary Woodland completes inspirational comeback after brain surgery and PTSD, urges those struggling to 'keep fighting'

"Anybody that is struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting."Those words were uttered by Gary Woodland in an...

The Masters 2026 - beginner's guide: All you need know ahead of Rory McIlroy's title defence at Augusta National

The Masters 2026 - beginner's guide: All you need know ahead of Rory McIlroy's title defence at Augusta National

Who is playing in The Masters and why is it such an important date in the sporting calendar? Here's our beginner's guide, covering all you need to kno...

'I played my heart out today - Bernd Wiesberger ends five-year wait for a DP World Tour title following victory at the China Open

'I played my heart out today - Bernd Wiesberger ends five-year wait for a DP World Tour title following victory at the China Open

Bernd Wiesberger ended his five-year wait for a DP World Tour title following victory at the China Open on Sunday.The Austrian started the final round...

Viktor Hovland on Ryder Cup injury disappointment and Luke Donald's return as captain

Viktor Hovland on Ryder Cup injury disappointment and Luke Donald's return as captain

Viktor Hovland says his injury at the Ryder Cup felt like a 'dark cloud' over Team Europe's away victory, while welcoming Luke Donald's continuation a...

The Masters 2026: Justin Rose rues 'chance that got away' as Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton enjoy flying finishes at Augusta National

The Masters 2026: Justin Rose rues 'chance that got away' as Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton enjoy flying finishes at Augusta National

Justin Rose admitted it was a "chance that got away" as he once again missed out on Masters glory at Augusta National.The three-time runner-up led by...