LPGA: Nelly Korda tied for lead as sister Jessica rallies late to get back to controversy in Florida | Golf News

The “Year of the Kordas” began to continue as Nelly’s bid for a backhand win in Florida kicks off well with 67, as Jessica finishes the first day just two behind her sister at Farpais Drive On LPGA.

Nelly Korda shares the first round lead on five under

Nelly Korda won first-day bragging rights over her sister Jessica when she fired 67 to earn a share of the lead at the LPGA Drive On Tournament in Ocala.

Nelly Korda held bogey off her five-birdie card to the top of the board with Jennifer Kupcho and Austin Ernst, while Jessica Korda held up a brilliant late rally to overcome a difficult spell both sides of the turn to card. 69 commendable.

The Korda sisters are trying to give the family a clean sweep of Florida’s winnings, with Jessica’s victory at the Diamond Resorts Tournament in January and later Nelly’s three-week win at Gainbridge LPGA.

And the Korda was the youngest to enjoy a better start in cool, early conditions at Golden Ocala, with her five birdies incorporating an audacious chip-in from a rough greenside beneath the put surface at the 10th when par saving would have been an accomplishment.

But she also revealed that she was still feeling the fat from the efforts she won last week, and hopes to gain more energy and more consistent movement over the rest of the competition.

“I was so tired, I tried to keep it very simple and easy,” the co-director said. “I worked on my swing a bit yesterday just because I wasn’t hitting well. I think just getting tired is your swing all over the place, so I tried my I hit it very hard today, so hopefully I can keep that going for the next two or three days.

Korda bogey held off her card in her 67th

“I know there will be bad rounds and you can’t play perfectly every round, but the more you reduce your errors and the more consistent you get with your swing and get the -out what works for you, I think better. “

Jessica Korda got off to a good start but then fired a shot at nine and a double 11th short to slip to one above par, but responded with four birdies over the final seven holes to get back inside. two pictures from her sister.

But it was a rare day for the third member of the three-pavilion, world No 1 Jin Young Ko makes six bogeys in a three-over 75 disappointment that leaves her forced to go low Friday to avoid early departure.

Jessica Korda scored four of the final seven holes

There were less worries for Kupcho and Ernst, the former sent off four consecutive birdies early in her opener while Ernst hit back from two early fouls with an impressive explosion of scoring on the back of the net. , with five birdies over the last seven holes getting it into the tie at the top.

Leona Maguire in Ireland enjoyed a birdie-birdie finish to match 69 of Jessica Korda and Lydia Ko, while the Solheim Cup star shot Bronte Law 70 with two birdies and 16 pars.

Mel Reid’s two-year-old turn was more advanced, putting off five birdies with three bogs, and Stephanie Meadow was also two under for the day until he made a late mistake at the seventh par-five – her 16th.

The work at Charley Hull and Georgia Hall has been cut short to cut the halfway mark after accumulating two over 74s alongside Lexi Thompson.