Nelly Korda – Photo by Max Bechtoldt/Women’s Golf Daily News
The dominance of Nelly Korda continues south of the border, as she has taken a three-stroke lead at the Riviera Maya Open after a fantastic -5 round.
Korda came into the day tied for the lead with Brianna Do, a 36-year-old LPGA Tour vet from California. It was one of the more unique final group pairings you will ever see in golf, with Korda having 80-career top-10 finishes while Do has just one, at this event last season.
Korda started a bit slow, not making many mistakes but not exactly scoring great either, making just one birdie in the first 12 holes. She hit her stride late though, making impressive birdies on 13 and 15 before a show-stopping, tap-in eagle on the par 5 18 to take a commanding lead. Korda made mistakes as well, missing a short birdie putt on the drivable par 4 17th.
Saturday saw Korda’s best ball striking day of the week so far, hitting 11 fairways and 14 greens while still having solid moments on the greens.
Do had a day that would signal to many signs of nerves, she made two early bogeys and had an additional one on the back nine. She also had a double bogey right after making the turn. She did impressively stay composed though, making three late birdies including on the final two holes to shoot an eventful even par round.
Korda’s closest challenger is Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol sitting three strokes back, a player with an underrated young career but who has struggled this season.
Korda is looking for her third win and sixth top-two finish of the year in just six starts.
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