BRADENTON, Florida — Jin Young Ko, a three-time champion, excelled in her round on Friday, scoring an impressive 8-under 63, which places her two strokes ahead of four other competitors at the LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup.
With a total score of 12-under 130 at the Bradenton Country Club, Ko has now completed two consecutive rounds without a bogey. The 29-year-old golfer from South Korea is on the quest to secure a victory at this tournament for the fourth different time after winning at Desert Ridge in Phoenix in 2019, Mountain Ridge in New Jersey in 2021, and Upper Montclair in New Jersey in 2023 during a playoff.
In the hunt behind Ko, Yealimi Noh recorded a score of 64, matching fellow American player Angel Yin, who maintained a second consecutive bogey-free performance with a 66. They are joined by Japan’s Minami Katsu, who carded a 65, and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who shot a 66, forming a group at 10 under par. American golfer Lauren Coughlin is just one stroke further back with a score of 67.
Ko began her afternoon round by tackling the back nine, where she sank her first birdie and added another on the 16th hole. She made a strong start on the front nine by birdying the first two holes, followed by another on the fourth, and then three consecutive birdies on holes six through eight.
“I concentrated very well and I’m just doing my best,” Ko commented, noting her consistency off the tee and during play. Her round set a new course record on a layout that hosted a Drive On event last year. However, she also mentioned that while she had numerous chances for birdies, she missed a few putts.
Throughout the first two days, Ko played alongside top-ranked golfers Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee, noting that the experience was enjoyable. “It was really fun to play with Nelly and Minjee, of course,” she remarked while looking ahead to the weekend.
Korda, competing in her hometown, finished tied for 13th at 6 under with another 69. Last year, she took victory at the Drive On tournament held at the same course, marking her first of seven wins in 2024.
Lee, on the other hand, ended the day at even par following her 72. Noh, despite finishing with a bogey on the par-3 ninth, had an exciting round after birdieing five of the previous six holes.
“I’m just trying to keep it simple,” said Noh, emphasizing the importance of hitting fairways and greens to maintain her momentum.
Yin, known for her powerful drives, delivered an eagle on the par-5 sixth while continuing to maintain her status as one of the only players without a bogey in the tournament.
“It’s really tough, honestly,” stated Yin, reflecting on the challenges posed by the windy conditions.
Lexi Thompson finished tied for 18th after shooting her second 69 during the fog-delayed morning session.
