Korda Fires 64 to Roar Back Into Contention as Thitikul Leads at CME Finale
An iron switch with refreshed preparation powered the world No. 2 into contention at the LPGA’s $11 million finale.
Overview
- Nelly Korda rebounded from an opening 71 with an eight-under 64 on Friday at Tiburon to seize the morning clubhouse lead.
- World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul eclipsed that total to claim the 36-hole lead as the LPGA season finale moved into the weekend.
- The CME Group Tour Championship carries an $11 million purse with $4 million to the winner, raising the stakes for Korda’s bid to end a 2025 winless stretch.
- Korda recently switched to TaylorMade P7CB irons in the 6-PW and reported improved spin and turf interaction during her surge.
- She has emphasized rehab, strength work and pre-round speed drills, drawing lessons from Grant Thornton pairings with PGA Tour pros, yet her third- and fourth-round scoring averages have trailed her early-round form.