Bradenton, Fla. (AP) The Tri-Triple Jin Young Ko Bird survived six of the last nine holes on Friday for the 8-fund 63 and two-way advantage over four players in the LPGA Tour founder Cup.
Trying to win the event in fourth place, KO had 120-fund 130 at Bradenton Country Club after the second round without Bogey.
“Golf is difficult, so if you lose concentration, it can make Bogey or double,” said Ko.
The 29-year-old South Korean player won a tournament that honors the founders of the route in 2019 at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, 2021 at Mountain Ridge, New Jersey and 2023 at Playoff, Upper Montclair, also in New Jersey.
Yealimi Noh had 64 to adapt to the American American angel Yin – who shot her second straight without Bogey 66 – and Japanese faces of Katsu (65) and Jin Hee Im (66) from South Korea. American Lauren Coughlin after 67 years was another blow.
Playing in the nine after the afternoon round, KO opened with a bird and added another 16. She started running with Birdies to No. 1 and 2, added another to No. 4, and then performed three straight to No. 6-8.
“I concentrated very well and I just try to give my best,” said Ko, who broke the course record in the system, which was the host of the event last year. “The shot was a very coherence from the shirt from the second. I had many good chances for a bird, but I missed a few puttts. “
The 15-time winner of LPGA Tour played along with the highest class Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee for the first two days.
“Of course, it’s really great to play with Nelly and Mainte,” said Ko. “I’m looking forward to the weekend.
Playing in its hometown of Gulf Coast, Korda was drawn in 13th position below after the second 69. She won the tournament in the field last year for the first of seven wins in 2024.
Lee was even equal to 72.
Noh closed with Bogey on the Par-3 ninth after the bird five of the previous six holes.
“I’m just trying to simplify it,” said Noh. “Maintaining water tracks and many greenery never hurts, so just try to do the same and keep the same pace and rhythm.”
The long-eager Yin orgla of the sixth Par-5 on its ninth rear. Yin and Ko are only players without Bogey.
“To be honest, it’s really difficult,” said Yin. “It is really difficult. … the wind is rising and everything becomes really tight.
Lexi Thompson was drawn in 18th place, turning its second 69 in the morning session delayed by fog.
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