Regardless of it being a brand new LPGA Tour season, there’s a well-known title on the high of the leaderboard on the first occasion of the 12 months. World No. 1 Nelly Korda leads by a shot on the Hilton Grand Holidays Match of Champions heading into the weekend.
Korda, a four-time winner on tour final 12 months, mentioned earlier within the week that she gained’t deal with 2022 as a continuation of final 12 months, regardless of a record-setting season that included a gold medal on the Olympics.
Thus far, so good. Korda shot a 6-under 66 on Friday at Lake Nona Golf and Nation Membership in Orlando, Fla., and, at 10 beneath, leads Danielle Kang and 18-hole chief Gaby Lopez by one. Her sister, defending match champion Jessica Korda, is one other shot again.
Canada’s Brooke Henderson is tied for fifth at 7 beneath.
Nelly Korda, who gained the Gainbridge LPGA (additionally contested at Lake Nona) for the primary of her 4 wins final 12 months, mentioned the golf course fits her recreation, making it an idyllic spot to begin the 12 months.
“I sort of really feel extra at dwelling right here,” she mentioned. “I like that it’s a very good problem. The tough is fairly thick this 12 months, too. I sort of prefer to embrace these challenges.”
The primary occasion of the LPGA Tour season is a pro-am format, and Korda was grouped with former major-league pitcher Derek Lowe, who leads the superstar division. Korda mentioned enjoying with celebrities retains issues relaxed.
“It’s sort of like the most effective of each worlds as a result of you possibly can preserve it gentle and have a chat with them, however you even have to pay attention and execute the photographs,” she mentioned.
Henderson shot a 4-under 68. She was 5 beneath by 12 holes however stumbled dwelling with bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18. She nailed an extended birdie from off the inexperienced on 17, although.
The climate is predicted to chill over the following two days and Henderson laughed whereas admitting she might need misplaced her “Canadian genes” in terms of the chilly after spending the winter at her Florida dwelling. Her recreation plan will change over the following two days, however she usually performs properly in cool and windy situations.
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“Among the holes will play somewhat bit in a different way off the tee,” Henderson mentioned. “This course is sort of tough. There are some holes you possibly can positively chase, however it's important to take note of the slopes. You do not need to find yourself in sure locations.”
Henderson is aware of she’s within the combine, regardless of her struggles on the finish of Friday’s spherical.
“(I’m) hitting the ball very well and giving myself a number of nice seems, which is all the time a number of enjoyable,” she mentioned. “Climbed up the leaderboard somewhat bit, I feel, and if I can simply proceed the best way I’m enjoying … then I feel I’ll be proper in it.”