MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) – Hyo Joo Kim delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, playing the first six holes in 6 under par, which allowed her to secure a five-stroke lead over Nelly Korda at the Fortinet Founders Cup.
The 30-year-old South Korean, currently ranked eighth in the world, recorded a 6-under 66, bringing her total to 17 under 199. Kim, who previously won this tournament in 2015, aims to add another title to her seven LPGA Tour victories.
Third Round Performance
Kim began the day with four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole, quickly establishing her dominance. However, her momentum faced a setback with a bogey on the par-5 seventh hole.
After the turn, Kim’s performance included a birdie-bogey-bogey-birdie sequence on the back nine. She managed to regain her footing with a birdie on the par-4 16th hole, ensuring her position at 17 under. A near miss on a 15-foot birdie attempt on the par-3 17th left her a foot short, and she parred the par-5 18th after landing in the left rough.
Korda’s Challenge
Nelly Korda, competing closely behind, recorded a bogey-free 66 with birdies on the 16th and 18th holes. Korda opted out of the Asia swing following her victory in the season opener in Florida.
Other Competitors
Ruixin Liu of China and Gaby Lopez of Mexico are tied at 11 under, with Liu achieving an eagle on the fifth hole during her round of 66. Lopez carded a 68 while playing alongside Kim.
Jeeno Thitikul, the top-ranked player, finished the day at 9 under with a score of 69, joining Erika Hara (67), Karis Davidson (69), and Hye-Jin Choi (69) in the leaderboard mix.
Tournament Background
The Fortinet Founders Cup honors the 13 founders of the LPGA and originated in Arizona in 2011. The tournament has drawn eight of the top ten players in the world rankings and marks the beginning of a four-tournament series in the West, leading up to the first major of the year.