How Nelly Korda found herself in contention after a solid Friday at the U.S. Women’s Open

How Nelly Korda found herself in contention after a solid Friday at the U.S. Women’s Open

LANCASTER, Pa. — Nelly Korda, the world No. 1 and dominant force in women’s golf this season, took a major step toward reclaiming her form and shaking off a tough opening round with a composed, tactical Friday performance at the U.S. Women’s Open.

After a rocky start on Thursday at Lancaster Country Club — where swirling winds, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens challenged even the game’s best — Korda rebounded with a solid second-round score that put her back in the mix heading into the weekend.

Korda carded a steady 1-under-par 69 on Friday, a round that showcased her trademark poise and precision. It was a crucial effort that not only erased the sting of her opening 75 but also vaulted her into red-hot contention for her third major title.

“It was just about staying patient today,” Korda said after her round. “You can’t force things out here. This course doesn’t let you.”

Starting on the back nine, Korda avoided the big mistakes that plagued her on Thursday. She found more fairways, hit crisp iron shots into receptive spots on the greens, and drained a few timely putts — none bigger than a slippery 15-footer for birdie on the par-4 16th that signaled her intent.

Though the leaderboard remained tightly packed, Korda’s name began climbing steadily as she navigated the brutal test that Lancaster CC presents. Her calm demeanor, strategic decision-making, and tight control over her short game proved invaluable.

In a tournament where scores ballooned and frustration simmered across the field, Korda’s round stood out. With only a handful of players breaking par, her 69 was one of the best of the day, positioning her within striking distance of the lead.

Korda entered this championship on a historic run, having won six of her last seven starts, including a major victory at the Chevron Championship. But the U.S. Women’s Open — often considered the toughest test in women’s golf — has eluded her, and she arrived in Pennsylvania eager to change that.

“This course demands everything from your game,” Korda said. “You have to be mentally sharp. You have to be disciplined. I felt like I brought that today.”

With 36 holes to play, Korda knows the job is far from done. But Friday’s performance was a reminder — both to herself and to the rest of the field — that she remains a dominant force and is very much in the hunt for the year’s most coveted title.

The weekend promises drama, but after a gritty Friday, Nelly Korda is right where she wants to be — in contention at the U.S. Women’s Open.