Jin Young Ko has taken a commanding lead at the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup, holding a 2-stroke advantage over four fellow competitors. Ko's stellar performance at Bradenton Country Club saw her shoot an impressive 8-under 63 in the second round, breaking the course record on a layout that hosted a Drive On event last year. Her total score of 12-under 130, achieved through consecutive bogey-free rounds, has set her apart in the tournament that celebrates the tour's founders.
Ko's mastery on the course was evident as she began her front-nine with birdies on Nos. 1 and 2, followed by another on No. 4. She continued to excel, making three consecutive birdies on Nos. 5, 6, and 7. Remarkably, both Ko and Angel Yin are the only players who have managed to avoid any bogeys thus far. Ko, a three-time champion of this tournament, previously claimed victories in 2019 at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, in 2021 at Mountain Ridge in New Jersey, and in a playoff at Upper Montclair in New Jersey earlier this year.
Playing alongside top-ranked Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee for the first two days, Ko has maintained her focus and composure. Meanwhile, Korda is tied for 13th place at 6 under after shooting her second consecutive round of 69. Minjee Lee found herself even par after a second-round score of 72.
"Golf is hard, so if you lose focus, can make bogey or double," said Jin Young Ko, emphasizing the need for concentration during play.
Yealimi Noh also delivered an impressive performance with a round of 64, joining fellow American Angel Yin, Japan's Minami Katsu, and South Korea's Jin Hee Im at 10 under par. American Lauren Coughlin trails closely behind, just one stroke back after carding a 67.
"Hitting fairways and a lot of greens never hurts, so just try to keep doing the same thing and keep the same tempo and rhythm," commented Yealimi Noh on her strategy.
Lexi Thompson managed to tie for 18th place after shooting her second score of 69 in the fog-delayed morning session.
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