Nelly Korda has gotten plenty of love this week, and for good reason.
The 25-year-old leads by two shots after two rounds of the 2024 Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club in Bradenton, Florida. Korda, who was born in and resides in Bradenton, has enjoyed feeling love from the fans as she has built her fourth 36-hole lead in her LPGA career.
“It’s been great to see the support,” Korda said. “I haven’t played a tournament in Bradenton in a really, really long time. Seeing the support Brooke gets when she’s near home in Canada, it felt really nice.”
“It’s been cool to see the big crowds come out and support and the hometown feel.”
The eight-time LPGA winner was tied with Lydia Ko after the opening round, but she separated with three birdies in her final four holes to move two in front of So Mi Lee in solo second. Her 4-under 67 on Friday moved her to 10 under for the tournament.
“Overall I’ve hit it pretty well the past two days, drove it well, given myself some opportunities,” Korda said. “At the end of the day, made some putts. Definitely capitalized on the par-5s on the back nine. Just in general, I went for all of them today, the three.”
Drive On Championship: Photos
Ko is tied with Ayaka Furue and Xiyu Lu at 7 under, three shots back. Ko needs one more point to gain entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Lee, an LPGA rookie, has seven birdies in the second round to earn her spot in the final tee time on Saturday.
“Honestly, I shot better yesterday, but my birdie putts dropped more today and that’s why I was able to score a lower round,” Lee said.
Lexi Thompson is tied for ninth at 5 under.
Among those who missed the cut include: Alexa Pano, Paula Creamer, Maria Fassi and Gabriela Ruffels.