Nelly Korda, who was just one stroke behind the leader after the first round in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, had a disappointing second round, scoring an 81 and missing the cut by one stroke. This was her worst professional 18-hole score in her LPGA Tour career. She also missed the cuts in her previous two starts, the U.S. Women’s Open and the Meijer LPGA Classic, after a remarkable run of winning six out of seven events.
Korda struggled in the warm afternoon conditions at Sahalee Country Club, bogeying the first four holes and continuing to drop strokes throughout the round. She managed to birdie the 18th hole but it wasn’t enough to make the cut. Meanwhile, Sarah Schmelzel and Amy Yang shared the lead at 6-under 136, with Schmelzel delivering a strong performance in the morning with a 67 and Yang shooting a 68 in the afternoon.
Schmelzel emphasized the importance of staying patient and aggressive off the tee, which paid off for her in the second round. Yang, who is dealing with a back issue, had a bogey-free round and showcased her ability to scramble for pars successfully. Both players are looking to secure their first major titles in this championship.
Other notable players like Lexi Thompson, Jin Young Ko, and Hinako Shibuno are also in contention, with Thompson facing some challenges on the course but maintaining a positive attitude. Hae Ran Ryu, Miyu Yamashita, and Leona Maguire also put up solid performances to stay in the mix.
Overall, the course conditions at Sahalee Country Club are becoming more challenging as the tournament progresses, with players adapting to the firmness of the greens and tight fairways. The competition remains tough as players strive to make their mark in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.