At the illustrious Bradenton Country Club in Florida, American golfer Yealimi Noh emerged as the leader in the ongoing Founders Cup, delivering a remarkable 8-under 63. Noh's stellar performance granted her a slender one-stroke advantage over three-time champion Jin Young Ko, who remains hot on her heels after a commendable round of 66. As the competition intensifies, Megan Khang stole the spotlight by setting a tournament record with a career-best score of 62, surpassing Ko's course record from the previous day.
Noh's impressive 18-under 195 total places her in a strong position as she seeks her first LPGA Tour victory. Reflecting on her game plan, she emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and composure.
"I really want to focus on myself is what I always tell myself," said Yealimi Noh. "Just keep it like today. Just really, really prioritize my tempo tomorrow. With any kind of nerves and excitement it can get a little quick for me, so just really slow everything down and take it in the present."
In pursuit of her fourth Founders Cup title, Ko remains firmly in contention. Her consistent performance this week highlights her resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, competing in her hometown event, delivered an impressive 65, accentuated by a remarkable chip-in birdie on No. 4. Korda is just another stroke behind Noh, showcasing her familiarity with Florida's challenging terrain.
"Growing up on this kind of old-school Florida grass helps because it is tough to kind of hit it off," remarked Korda.
Among other notable contenders is Jin Hee Im, a seasoned South Korean player with 15 LPGA Tour victories to her name. Im continues to vie for the title after carding a solid 68, keeping her within striking distance of the leaders.
As the tournament progresses, Megan Khang's record-breaking performance has been a focal point of excitement. Her precision and confidence on the greens have been evident throughout the competition.
"Everything felt kind of dialed in today," commented Megan Khang. "I was definitely happy that putts were starting to drop and hopefully it continues tomorrow."
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