A LIM KIM Leads LPGA as NELLY KORDA SHUTS DOWN Surprise MARRIAGE PROPOSAL at Season Opener
A LIM KIM Leads LPGA as NELLY KORDA SHUTS DOWN Surprise MARRIAGE PROPOSAL at Season Opener
A Lim Kim is still in control at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, but Nelly Korda is quickly closing in—while also fending off unexpected proposals.
Kim followed up her bogey-free opening round with a 69 at Lake Nona, finishing Friday at 10-under 134. Despite three bogeys, she poured in six birdies to maintain a three-shot cushion over Linn Grant (67) and a four-shot lead over Nelly Korda (67), Rio Takeda (68), and Leona Maguire (68).
“There is no better tournament than this tournament to kind of come back,” Korda said, referencing the pro-am format that mixes LPGA pros with athletes and celebrities.
Nelly Korda’s six-under stretch over her last 14 holes launched her into contention, but it wasn’t the only highlight of her day.
Nelly Korda’s Unexpected Marriage Proposal Gets Shut Down. While Korda was locked in on her round, one fan had other ideas—proposing marriage from the gallery. Luckily, former MLB pitcher Derek Lowe was on hand to step 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?’ and I was like, ‘No, that was a great answer.’”
Korda, coming off a seven-win season that included her second major title, clearly has bigger priorities right now—like making a run at Kim’s lead heading into the weekend.
Defending champ Lydia Ko, who struggled to a 73 on Thursday, switched back to her old putter and immediately saw results, firing a 67 to sit six shots back.
“Obviously it’s not the putter’s fault. It’s all the puttee’s fault,” Ko joked. She’ll need a big weekend to catch Kim and Korda, but momentum is on her side.
Celebrity Leaderboard: Pavelski Leads, Fish and Lowe Chasing
Former NHL star Joe Pavelski leads the celebrity competition, sitting one point ahead of ex-tennis pro Mardy Fish. Lowe, Mark Mulder, and Jeremy Roenick are lurking just two points back as the battle for bragging rights heats up.
What’s Next? Can Kim Hold Off Korda’s Charge?
With Korda heating up, Kim’s lead isn’t safe. And with Ko, Grant, and Maguire lurking, expect a wild finish at Lake Nona. And if any more fans feel inspired to propose mid-round, Derek Lowe is apparently taking on security duty for the weekend.
