ORLANDO, Fla. — Nelly Korda showcased her finest golf amidst challenging conditions on Saturday, achieving an 8-under 64 in the cold, windy weather that ultimately resulted in the suspension of play for the day at the season-opening Tournament of Champions.
Korda recorded the top score of the week at Lake Nona, where the wind chill made temperatures feel like they were in the 40s, accompanied by a consistent 20 mph breeze and gusts nearly double that speed.
Chasing her first victory since November 2024, Korda stood at 13-under 203, holding a six-shot lead over Brooke Henderson, who finished with a score of 66.
Amy Yang was at 10 under with two holes remaining, including the par-3 17th, one of the most exposed holes on the course. Lydia Ko experienced a setback with a double bogey followed by a bogey on consecutive holes on the back nine, finishing at 8 under through 16 holes.
Youmin Hwang was also at 8 under, and it was her putt that prompted LPGA officials to halt play. Hwang missed an 18-foot birdie putt to the right, and the strong right-to-left wind pushed her ball several feet further right until it caught a ridge and rolled off the green.
Hwang summoned an official, and soon after, play was suspended. Sue Winter, the LPGA rules official, indicated that the decision was made due to the conditions on a couple of holes—especially the 17th—rendering it unfair.
Players donned ear muffs and ski caps to keep warm, with forecasts predicting even harsher conditions on Sunday as temperatures are expected to drop to freezing or lower.
Korda managed to complete two holes—both birdies—just as the wind began to intensify. She then struck a gap wedge that landed a few feet past the hole and spun back for an eagle on the third.
She recorded a 30 on the front nine, added three birdies against one bogey on the back, and finished with a score of 64 to extend her lead.
“I was aware that the conditions would be challenging, so starting strong really benefited me,” Korda stated. “Overall, I remained very focused and completely committed to my lines. It’s easy to second-guess yourself and your lines in such windy conditions.”
Korda achieved seven victories in 2024 but surprisingly went winless throughout 2025. Eager to start the season positively, she took charge with impressive play in adverse weather, aided by low, wind-cutting shots that led her to a 64.
“When you’re out there, you’re so concentrated on being present and focusing on each shot that it hasn’t fully registered how well I played,” Korda remarked. “You find yourself in survival mode, particularly on the final holes.”
Lottie Woad from England, who shared the 36-hole lead with Ko, was 3 over for her round through 16 holes, falling eight shots behind the leader.
