It’s been a while since we’ve seen Nelly Korda in the winner’s circle — 14 months, in fact — but the current World No. 4 is in the driver’s seat at this week’s LPGA Drive On Championship, where she holds a four-shot lead heading into the final round.
Korda’s rounds of 65-67-68 have her at 14 under par for 54 holes. A win on Sunday would mark the 9th of her LPGA career. Despite a shaky finish on the front nine on Saturday where she posted back-to-back bogeys to make the turn at one-over on the day, Korda finished strong, making two birdies and an eagle on her final six holes to post a round of three-under.
“Yeah, just a confidence boost knowing I can climb up the leaderboard and contend and stay in contention,” Korda said after the round. “Definitely didn’t have the great start today. I think I was one back after nine holes, and then kind of turned it around. But any single time I get to be in contention I learn more about myself and how to handle the situations more. Hopefully I can put together a good round for the hometown.”
The hometown Korda is referring to is Bradenton, Fla., where she’s been enjoying a week as the local favorite at Bradenton Country Club.
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“I was born just in the hospital just down the road from here,” Korda said. “It’s been nice seeing friends and family come out, everyone asking for tickets, feeling the support, it’s been really nice.
“I grew up at IMG, too so a lot the employees wanted to come out and watch, family friends, doctors, whatever,” she continued. “It’s been amazing honestly. I’m actually kind of taken back with how much support I’ve been getting this week. Being in Florida I always get a lot of support, but hometown, it’s crazy.”
While Korda has a substantial cushion for Sunday’s final round, she’ll be chased by a bevy of big names, including Megan Khang (-9), Lydia Ko (-9), Sei Young Kim (-8) and Lexi Thompson (-7).
Korda and Khang will play alongside Ayaka Furue in Sunday’s final grouping at 11:56 a.m. ET. You can watch the final-round action on Golf Channel starting at 2 p.m. ET.