The LPGA cover girl is back in action! After the first round of the LPGA Drive-On Championship, Nelly Korda has secured the top spot along with former world No. 1 Lydia Ko. It is no secret that the Olympic gold medalist is a formidable force on the women’s circuit as an inspiring figure for many, whether it be young girls or her fellow LPGA comrades, through her different initiatives to promote golf like the Nelly—an all-girls invitational at the Concession Golf Club.

Speaking about her fellow LPGA golfers, the 25-year-old once again impressed one of her LPGA peers, none other than Ruoning Yin’. The world number two shared her thoughts on Korda’s recent dazzling form at the Bradenton Country Club and how it feels to share the greens with the eight-time LPGA Tour winner.

Nelly Korda becomes the motivator for World No. 2

During the media round at the LPGA Drive-On Championship, Ruoning Yin was asked about her experience playing alongside Nelly Korda. In response to the question about playing with Korda and fellow American golfer Megan Khang, Yin shared, “It’s always fun to play with Nelly and Megan, and just we’re just having fun, and at the same time we just keep competitive.”

When queried about the group’s performance, particularly Korda’s strong play, Yin acknowledged, “Obviously Nelly just go crazy on the front nine… I got to catch up. That definitely is gonna help me play better.” Her remarks reflected the enjoyable camaraderie and competitive spirit among players during the round.

Currently, both LPGA pros have showcased exceptional skills on their respective Floridian greens. Nelly Korda wrapped up her first round with an impressive score of -6. Competing on the par-71 course spanning 6557 yards, Korda’s score of 65 positioned her at the top of the leaderboard, setting a strong foundation for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ruoning Yin had a solid start to the event, secured a score of -4, and finished with a round of 67. Yin’s performance positioned her at T4 on the leaderboard, reflecting her ability to navigate the challenging course effectively. Both Korda and Yin have emerged as formidable contenders, setting the stage for the exciting competition ahead.

Action at the LPGA Drive-On Championship 2024

This exciting LPGA event features 120 talented players, including stars like Lilia Vu, hometown champion Nelly Korda, defending champ Celine Boutier, and 15 fresh faces on the 2024 LPGA Tour.

With a massive and attractive $1.75 million prize pool and $262,500 going to the winner, the competition is fierce, and the rewards are substantial. Furthermore, the event offers 500 points in the Race to the CME Globe, adding to its allure. Notable past champions include Celine Boutier, Leona Maguire, and Ally Ewing, while Lydia Ko stands out as the sole winner of the 2024 LPGA Tour at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Read more: LPGA’s Money Problem Finally Resolved? Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and Others to Finally Enjoy Well-Deserved Financial Perks

Nelly Korda’s remarkable performance at the LPGA Drive-On Championship has solidified her status as a rising star in women’s golf. Her camaraderie with teammates like Ruoning Yin underlines the spirit of the game. With high stakes and a stellar lineup, the Championship promises exciting competition and opportunities for aspiring golfers.

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