Jersey City, N.J. — As the defending champion of the Mizuho Americas Open, Nelly Korda found her rhythm late during the second round at Liberty National. She posted three birdies over the last five holes, finishing with a 4-under 68 to secure a share of the lead. The course, located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, was affected by rain and overcast skies, making play longer than usual. This was particularly evident on the par-4 ninth hole, where both Korda and Jeeno Thitikul needed fairway metals for their second shots on the 429-yard hole.
Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Korda said, “You really have to focus on every aspect of your game with the on-and-off rain, the chill, and some wind. We did a great job adapting to that today.” Joining Korda at the top of the leaderboard at 8-under 136 was Somi Lee of South Korea, who made seven birdies in her round of 67 despite two bogeys towards the end. Andrea Lee, another early starter, also matched her with a score of 68.
Currently ranked as the top player in women’s golf, Korda is seeking her first victory of the year after a stellar season last year when she clinched six titles, including the Mizuho Americas Open. Jeeno Thitikul, who began the day with a two-shot advantage following an opening round of 64, initially expanded her lead with three birdies in four holes. However, her momentum faltered with four bogeys, culminating in a lengthy three-putt on the ninth, ending with a score of 73.
Thitikul, holding the second spot in the women’s world rankings behind Korda, found herself in a group at 137 alongside players like Boutier (71), Carlota Ciganda from Spain (70), and Stephanie Kyriacou from Australia (69). Boutier commented on the challenging conditions, noting, “I expected it to be tougher, but when the rain came, it was intense. It was challenging, particularly towards the end when it got colder, making my hands stiff and uncomfortable, which was difficult.”