In Bradenton, Florida, Yealimi Noh delivered an impressive performance by recording eight birdies over the last 11 holes, finishing with an 8-under 63 to take a narrow one-stroke advantage over the three-time champion, Jin Young Ko, during the Founders Cup. After some wind challenges slowed down players at the onset of the round at the Bradenton Country Club, both Noh and Ko managed to secure their first birdies of the day on the par-5 eighth hole.
“I had a bit of a slow start, but I felt like I was striking the ball well and making some good putts,” reflected Noh, the 23-year-old player from California who is in pursuit of her maiden LPGA Tour title. “I reminded myself to be patient and wait for a birdie to happen, and thankfully it did.” Ko, aiming to clinch her title at a fourth different venue, also made a strong push with five birdies on the final stretch for a score of 66.
“It was challenging to play due to the winds on the front nine,” admitted Ko. “However, after getting through that, we both made plenty of birdies, especially Yealimi. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. I gave it my all today, but some putts were tricky, so I’ll have something to work on for tomorrow.” Ko has previously triumphed in this tournament, which honors the tour’s founders, in 2019 at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, again in 2021 at Mountain Ridge in New Jersey, and most recently in a playoff at Upper Montclair, also in New Jersey, earlier in 2023. The 29-year-old South Korean currently boasts 15 victories on the LPGA Tour.
With a total score of 18-under 195, Noh kicked off her tournament with a 68 and followed it with a 64 on Friday, propelling her into the final group alongside Ko. “My tempo has been fantastic this week; it’s the best it has ever been,” she expressed. “I have been patient not only through my rounds but also with my swing.” Following her breakthrough birdie on hole eight, Noh continued with two more birdies, nailed another on hole 12, and capped her round with birdies on holes 14, 15, and 17 and 18. She leads the entire field with a remarkable 21 birdies, matching her best round on the tour with her 63.
“I always aim to focus on my game,” Noh stated. “I just want to replicate today’s performance. I need to prioritize my tempo tomorrow. With any nerves or excitement, I sometimes speed up, so I plan to take it slow and remain present.”
In addition, American golfer Megan Khang recorded a personal best of 62, breaking Ko’s newly established course record. Khang is tied for third place with South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, both at 13-under. “I felt very in tune with my game today,” Khang noted. “I was pleased to see those putts going in, and I hope the trend continues tomorrow.” Im managed a score of 68.
Current top-ranked player Nelly Korda found herself one stroke behind after scoring 65, which included a chip-in birdie on hole nine. Korda had previously clinched a Drive On tournament victory on this same course last year, marking her first of seven titles for 2024. “Having grown up playing on this kind of traditional Florida grass gives me an edge because it is tricky,” Korda explained.
Australian player Hannah Green also scored 12 under with a solid round of 66.
