Ko and Doherty lead in Cincinnati, with Korda 3 back in bid for 3rd straight win
TL;DR
Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty are tied for the second-round lead at the Kroger Queen City Championship, both shooting 4-under 66. Nelly Korda is three shots behind as she aims for her third consecutive win.
Key points
- Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty share the second-round lead
- Both shot 4-under 66 in the tournament
- Nelly Korda is three shots back aiming for her third straight win
Mentioned in this story
CINCINNATI — Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty each shot 4-under 66 on Friday to share the second-round lead in the Kroger Queen City Championship, with Nelly Korda three shots back in her bid for a third straight victory.
Korda had two late birdies in a 67 in the morning session at Maketewah Country Club. She won The Chevron Championship for her third major, then followed with a victory in Mexico before taking last week off.
“There have definitely been some loose shots,” Korda said. “Not really happy with the way I’m hitting it right now, but overall, I mean, I’m not complaining with the position I’m in. Hopefully, I can go figure something out again on the range after today.”
Ko had a bogey-free round in the morning to reach 7-under 133 on the first-year venue. The 30-year-old South Korean player has 15 LPGA Tour victories, winning two majors in 2019.
“Getting older, like little more afraid and think too much,” Ko said. “I’m just trying to be like the time, like 2018 through 2021. So, brave is good key for me, and just have fun.”
Doherty had five birdies and a bogey in the afternoon session, closing with a birdie on the par-3 18th. The 28-year-old former Florida State player is winless on the tour. She’s fighting to secure higher tour status to avoid missing events.
“I’m really excited,” Doherty said. “I’m just excited to be teeing it up this week after reshuffling after Mexico. I’m going in with that mindset I think and just happy to be here and happy to be playing.”
Lottie Woad was a stroke back after a 64. She played the first 10 holes in 6 under.
Kroger Queen City Championship Presented By P&G 2026 - Round Two
Lydia Ko, playing alongside Korda and Jeeno Thitikul, was another shot back after a 67.
Korda and Thitikul (67) were 4 under with Jennifer Kupcho (66), Chella Choi (70) and Rio Takeda (70). Thitikul won the Mizuho Americas Open last week in New Jersey.
Image for Kroger Queen City Championship - Rd 3
Kroger Queen City Championship - Rd 3
The third round of the Kroger Queen City Championship is underway from Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Q&A
What is the current leaderboard for the Kroger Queen City Championship?
Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty are tied for the lead at 7-under, while Nelly Korda is three shots back.
How did Nelly Korda perform in the second round of the tournament?
Nelly Korda shot a 67 with two late birdies, placing her three shots behind the leaders.
What achievements has Nelly Korda had in recent tournaments?
Nelly Korda recently won The Chevron Championship and followed it with a victory in Mexico before taking a week off.
