Nelly Korda Dominates at St. Andrews, Building Three-Stroke Lead at Women’s British Open
Nelly Korda is making a strong case for being the best golfer in the world, solidifying her lead at the Women’s British Open with a bogey-free, 4-under 68 in the second round at the historic St. Andrews Old Course. The reigning Chevron Championship winner is on track to claim the year’s final major, showcasing impressive adaptability even as the wind whipped through the links course. Korda’s dominant performance comes at a time when she’s rediscovering her top form after a recent slump, highlighting her resilience and strategic prowess.
Key Takeaways:
- Korda’s mastery of varied conditions: Her flawless second round at St. Andrews further proves her ability to succeed in diverse environments, having already won on multiple grass types and under different weather conditions this year.
- Adapting to links golf: Demonstrating her commitment to constant improvement, Korda has embraced the unique challenges of links golf, even adopting a fade shot despite not usually hitting it.
- A three-stroke lead: Korda’s impressive performance has put her in a strong position heading into the weekend, leading by three strokes over Lilia Vu and Charley Hull.
- Hull’s resilience: Despite seeing Korda pull away, Hull remains optimistic about her chances, citing her own strong performance and the relatively small gap between them.
- Disqualification of Ana Peláez Triviño: A golfer was disqualified from the tournament due to her caddie’s use of a distance-measuring device, highlighting the importance of adherence to tournament regulations.
A Commanding Performance from the Top-Ranked American
Korda’s round was a testament to her dedication and focus. Starting one stroke behind the overnight leader, Charley Hull, Korda quickly took control, birdieing the 17th and 18th holes for the second consecutive day. She continued the momentum on the back nine, carding a birdie at the par-5 fifth hole and a remarkable two-putt birdie from the fringe at the ninth.
Korda’s success with her new putter was evident, contributing to her impressive putting statistics. Her consistent performance on the greens has been crucial in her overall success, and it’s a testament to her commitment to constantly refining her game.
Hull Remains Competitive Despite Korda’s Domination
While Hull fell behind Korda, she is not ready to concede defeat. The No. 10-ranked golfer expressed confidence in her ability to bridge the three-stroke gap, emphasizing the short nature of the course and her ability to make up ground. "Only three shots behind—that’s nothing going into the weekend, especially on this golf course," Hull stated.
Hull, seeking her first major title, is determined to make a run. She acknowledged the difference in putting statistics with Korda but sees room for improvement. "I left a lot of putts out there," Hull said. "I think Nelly had 30 putts and I had 36 putts. So that’s six putts that I’ve lost to her on the greens."
Vu and Yin Close In, While Other Top Players Miss the Cut
Behind Korda, Lilia Vu and Ruoning Yin are in contention, both tied for second place five strokes behind. Vu, the defending champion, shot a 70 in the second round, while Yin, winner of last year’s Women’s PGA Championship, finished with a 72.
A number of top players fell short of the cut, including No. 3-ranked Jin Young Ko, No. 5-ranked Hannah Green, two-time major winner Minjee Lee, and Lauren Coughlin, winner of the Scottish Open last week.
Implications and Future Outlook
Korda’s performance at the Women’s British Open is more than just a dominant showing at a major tournament. It’s a statement of her potential and her unwavering dedication to the game. She’s not only outplaying her competitors but also showcasing a constant drive for improvement.
Her adaptability to different conditions, including the challenging links terrain, highlights her versatility as a golfer. Korda’s recent struggles seem to be a distant memory as she continues to climb to the top of women’s golf.
As the tournament heads into the weekend, Korda’s lead is significant, but the competition for the top spots remains tight. Hull is within striking distance, and Vu and Yin are eager to make their move. The final rounds at St. Andrews promise to be an exciting battle, with Korda’s dominance setting the tone for what promises to be a dramatic finish.
