Golf Jul 02, 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

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Jon Rahm has been announced as part of the field for the Irish Open at Doonbeg, live on Your Site Golf from September 10-13.Rahm paid all of his outst...

Phil Mickelson refutes allegations of inappropriate behaviour in statement released by his representatives

Phil Mickelson refutes allegations of inappropriate behaviour in statement released by his representatives

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson's representatives have described allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled at him as an "anonymously sour...

Brad Dalke: YouTuber challenging on DP World Tour debut as he sits two shots off lead at BMW International Open

Brad Dalke: YouTuber challenging on DP World Tour debut as he sits two shots off lead at BMW International Open

YouTube golfer Brad Dalke finds himself challenging for the title on his DP World Tour debut at the BMW International Open, sitting two shots off the...

PGA Tour: Zach Johnson one shot off John Deere Classic lead with England's Matt Wallace in contention after first round

PGA Tour: Zach Johnson one shot off John Deere Classic lead with England's Matt Wallace in contention after first round

Zach Johnson is skipping three majors for the John Deere Classic, and the Iowa native made the decision pay off on Thursday with an eagle-birdie finis...

Who has won The Masters? Year-by-year winners of the Green Jacket and every past major victory at Augusta National

Who has won The Masters? Year-by-year winners of the Green Jacket and every past major victory at Augusta National

Who has won The Masters? Which players have enjoyed the most success at Augusta National? We look at the previous winners of the opening major of the...

Tiger Woods needs accountability for 'self-inflicted' struggles and latest DUI car crash, suggests Sir Nick Faldo

Tiger Woods needs accountability for 'self-inflicted' struggles and latest DUI car crash, suggests Sir Nick Faldo

Sir Nick Faldo has called on Tiger Woods to be made accountable for his ‘self-inflicted’ actions, following his decision to step away from the sport a...