By Nelly Korda is on the prowl for her fifth consecutive LPGA Tour win at the Chevron Championship, starting her campaign just two strokes behind leader Lauren Coughlin after the opening round. Korda, the reigning world No. 1, seeks to equal a record with another victory in her quest for a second major title, following her 2021 triumph at the Women’s PGA Championship.
In a thrilling start to the tournament at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, Korda showcased her skill with a four-under 68, tying for second alongside Marina Alex and Japan’s Minami Katsu. Meanwhile, Coughlin seized the spotlight with a bogey-free, six-under 66 to claim the early lead, marking just the second time in her career she’s led after the first round.
Among the English contingent, Georgia Hall and Jodi Ewart Shadoff stand at two under, while amateur sensation Lottie Woad, fresh off her historic win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, is one shot back after an impressive opening round of 71.
Notably, defending champion Lilia Vu withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury, while Angel Yin, last year’s runner-up, also pulled out with an ankle injury after carding an opening 78.
Coughlin, accompanied by her husband-turned-caddie John Pond, attributed her stellar performance to a solid game plan and disciplined approach on the course. With a focus on continuous improvement, Coughlin remains grounded in her pursuit of excellence, acknowledging Nelly Korda as the primary competition in the field.
As the Chevron Championship unfolds, anticipation builds for a fiercely contested battle among the world’s top golfers, with Korda leading the charge in her relentless pursuit of victory.
