A Lim Kim Holds Strong Lead as Nelly Korda Chases at LPGA Tournament of Champions
ORLANDO, Fla.— The LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions is heating up, with South Korea’s A Lim Kim maintaining a commanding lead after the second round. Kim,who shot a 3-under 69 on Friday,now sits at 10-under 134,three strokes ahead of Linn Grant and four ahead of world No. 1 Nelly Korda.Kim’s performance at lake Nona Golf & Country Club has been nothing short of notable. After a bogey-free opening round of 65, she navigated an up-and-down second day with six birdies and three bogeys too keep her cushion intact. “It’s always challenging to follow up a strong start, but I’m happy with how I’ve managed the course so far,” Kim saeid.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, fresh off a seven-win season that included her second major championship, is making her presence felt. After a slow start that left her even par through 22 holes, Korda surged with a 6-under finish to card a 67. “Ther is no better tournament than this tournament to kind of come back,” Korda remarked, highlighting the event’s pro-am format that pairs golfers with athletes and celebrities. “New season, it’s more easygoing, playing with someone like Kevin Millar and [Derek] Lowe where you’ve known them for so long. This is my sixth year playing this event so friendships have formed.”
Korda’s round wasn’t without its lighter moments. When a fan proposed marriage to her during the round, former MLB pitcher Derek Lowe stepped in. “D Lowe shut him right down,” korda laughed. “I didn’t say anything and he was like, ‘Bud, I think that was a no.’ He was like, ‘Did I speak out of turn?’ I was like, ‘No, that was a great answer.’”
Defending champion Lydia Ko, who won four times in 2024 including an Olympic gold medal and the AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews, struggled with a new putter in her opening-round 73. She switched back to her trusted putter on Friday, shooting a 67 to move within six shots of the lead. “Obviously it’s not the putter’s fault. It’s all the puttee’s fault,” Ko joked. “It’s just having a arduous round on the greens to come back to something that I’m familiar with and I know that I’ve putted well with, was I think a good change for me.”
On the celebrity leaderboard, former NHL player Joe pavelski leads by one point over Mardy Fish, with Derek Lowe, Mark Mulder, and Jeremy Roenick trailing by two points.
Key Standings after Round 2
Table of Contents
| Player | Score | Position |
|——————|——–|———-|
| A lim Kim | -10 | 1st |
| Linn Grant | -7 | 2nd |
| Nelly Korda | -6 | 3rd |
| Lydia Ko | -4 | T4 |
As the tournament heads into the weekend, all eyes will be on A Lim Kim to see if she can maintain her lead or if Nelly Korda and the chasing pack can close the gap.With a mix of elite golf and celebrity camaraderie, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions continues to deliver excitement and drama.
A Lim Kim Dominates LPGA Tournament of Champions: Insights from Golf Expert Dr. Ethan Parker
As the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions unfolds, A Lim Kim has established a commanding lead, while Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko chase closely.To dissect the action, World Today News Senior Editor, Sarah Collins, sits down with renowned golf analyst Dr. Ethan Parker to analyze the tournament’s highlights, player performances, and what to expect in the coming rounds.
The Rise of A Lim Kim: Can She Maintain Her lead?
Sarah Collins: Dr. Parker, A Lim Kim has been phenomenal so far, leading by three strokes. What’s been the key to her success?
Dr. Ethan Parker: A Lim Kim’s consistency and composure have been remarkable. Her bogey-free opening round of 65 set the tone,and even though she had a few bogeys in the second round,her ability to bounce back with six birdies shows her resilience. Her precision on the greens and strategic course management have been pivotal in maintaining her lead.
Nelly Korda’s comeback: Will She Close the Gap?
Sarah Collins: Nelly Korda had a slow start but surged with a 6-under finish. Do you see her challenging Kim for the title?
Dr. Ethan parker: Absolutely. Nelly is a proven champion,and her ability to turn things around mid-round highlights her mental toughness. she’s only four strokes behind, and with her experience and consistency, she’s more than capable of closing the gap. Her familiarity with the pro-am format and the course also gives her an edge.
Lydia Ko’s Putter switch: A Game-Changer?
Sarah Collins: Lydia Ko struggled with a new putter but switched back to her trusted one, shooting a 67. How crucial was this decision?
Dr. Ethan Parker: Switching back to her trusted putter was a smart move. Lydia’s performance considerably improved, and she’s now within six shots of the lead. In golf, familiarity with equipment can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to putting. her decision reflects her understanding of her game and her ability to adapt under pressure.
The Celebrity Factor: Adding Fun to the Competition
Sarah Collins: The celebrity leaderboard has been a fun addition. What’s your take on this unique aspect of the tournament?
Dr.Ethan Parker: The celebrity leaderboard adds a unique and entertaining dimension to the tournament. It’s great to see athletes from other sports,like Joe Pavelski and Derek Lowe,competing and enjoying the game. This mix of elite golf and celebrity camaraderie creates a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere that both players and fans appreciate.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Final Rounds
Sarah Collins: As we head into the weekend, what are your predictions for the final rounds?
Dr.Ethan Parker: It’s shaping up to be an exciting finish. A Lim kim has the lead, but players like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko are hot on her trail. The key will be handling the pressure and maintaining consistency. The celebrity leaderboard will also add to the drama, making it a must-watch event for golf fans.
Conclusion
The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions continues to deliver thrilling moments and remarkable performances. With A Lim Kim leading the pack and Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko in pursuit, the tournament promises an exhilarating weekend of golf.Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the competition unfolds.
