Top-ranked Korda takes LPGA lead at Mizuho Americas Open

World number one Nelly Korda, 25, delivered a flawless seven-under-par 65 on Saturday, securing a two-stroke lead over the fast-rising Australian Hannah Green, 27, at the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open. Korda recorded seven birdies at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey, achieving a 54-hole total of 13-under 203.

Green, on the other hand, made a remarkable nine birdies in a nine-under-par 63, placing her alone in second at 11-under 205.

Korda is striving to return to the winner’s circle after her record-tying streak of five victories in five LPGA starts ended at last week’s Founders Cup.

Starting the third day off the lead, Korda climbed the leaderboard methodically, securing birdies at the second, fourth, and seventh holes. She continued her surge with birdies at the 10th, 13th, 15th, and 16th holes, maintaining her rhythm despite changing conditions.

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“The first nine, the wind was down, it was sunny, it was warm,” Korda said. “By the time we got near the water on the back nine, the wind started picking up, and it started drizzling. It was the weather we kind of played in on the first day, so I made sure to stay warm and take it one shot at a time.”

Korda emphasized that staying present has been key to her success throughout her five-win run, and she credited her caddie, Jason McDede, with helping her stay in the moment.

“So that’s our mentality, has been our mentality for the last couple years. Obviously, there are weeks when you can do it much easier than others. When you’re in the flow, everything seems to click in a sense.”

Green surged up the leaderboard with a round that she described as “felt very easy.”

“I hit 17 greens and missed a few fairways, but actually hit it really close,” she said. “So it was really nice to actually not have to stress about trying to make pars today.”

After birdies at the third, sixth, and seventh holes, Green added six more on the back nine, including three consecutive birdies at the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes.

“It did feel like autopilot for a little bit there, which is very nice,” she said after breaking the 18-hole tournament scoring record.

Green has already secured two titles in 2024, at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore and successfully defending her title at the LA Championship at Wilshire Country Club.

“I feel like I’ve been able to glue things together,” she said. “Last week, I couldn’t keep up with the girls. On the greens is where I lost a lot of shots. Today, I hit it close enough to be able to hole putts, which was nice. Didn’t actually hole anything longer than 15 feet, so hitting it very well, so that was very nice.”

Another Australian, Gabriela Ruffels, scored a 68 to share third place on 206 with Japan’s Ayaka Furue, who posted a 67.

Overnight leader Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand recorded a two-over 74, leaving her tied for 15th on 209.