Nelly Korda showed everyone just how brilliant she can be as she rallied to the head of the pace at the inaugural Mizuho Americas Open. Today on Saturday, Korda held her composure, carding three birdies on her last five holes to cap off an impressive 4-under 68. That performance puts her into a tie atop the leaderboard with Jeeno Thitikul and Andrea Lee at 8-under 136.
It’ll take incredible skill, much like what Korda, the defending champion, showed at Liberty National. Though under tough circumstances, she wowed the crowd as No. 2-ranked player in the world. With plenty of rain and overcast skies, the course played longer than normal, putting additional strain on the players’ bodies and minds as they withstood a demanding day. Even Korda admitted the challenges that the weather forced on her players, saying,
“Just have to really dial into everything that you’re doing in these conditions with it kind of being on-and-off rain and getting colder and some wind.” – Nelly Korda
Jeeno Thitikul, who entered the final round ranked No. 1 in women’s golf, teed off with a two-shot advantage. She led off with a huge 64 score. She certainly started building her score fast, making three birdies on her first four holes. She concluded the day with a score that equals Korda’s at the top. However good her start has been, however impressive her game, Thitikul is still searching for that maiden win this season.
Leaving her mark Andrea Lee, having a breakout year herself, got to the top with steady play and shrewd course management. Tijuana resident, Somi Lee had the low round of the day, a 67, but she needed all of those seven birdies to jumpstart her St. Augustine start. Sadly, two late bogeys prevented her from climbing the leaderboard.
The fourth group at 137 is an intriguing one, including stalwarts Carlota Ciganda and Stephanie Kyriacou. These talented athletes are all eager to take the crown. Back on the course, fellow competitor Boutier shared her sentiments about the day’s difficult conditions, stating,
“I thought it was tough but I was expecting it to be a lot tougher.” – Boutier
Needless to say, as the tournament moves forward Korda will be the focus. She’s focused on holding onto the women’s title in the face of an impressive challengers’ roster. With only one round left to play, the pressure makes for a thrilling finish at Liberty National Golf Club. The competition is fierce and players are hungry for victory!
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