As temperatures soared in Japan on Friday, Nelly Korda was on fire. The top-ranked player in the world had a chance to shoot 59 in the second round heading into the closing par 4, but instead made double.
Still, the powerful young American bolted out to a sizable lead over the field of 60 at Kasumigaseki Country Club. As it was for the men’s side, the East Course is the host venue for the women’s competition. It’s playing at 6,648 yards this week.
For those who didn’t stay up through the night to catch all the action, here’s what you missed from a steamy Round 2.
Olympic women’s golf: Round 3 tee times
1. Nelly Korda jumps out to four-shot lead
Aug 5, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Nelly Korda (USA) tees off on the 13th hole during the second round of the women’s individual stroke play of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
After making birdie on five of her last six holes, Nelly Korda came to the closing par 4 needing one last birdie to join Annika Sorenstam as the only woman to shoot 59. Ultimately a tree limb derailed those efforts and Korda made double, giving her a 9-under 62. Korda said she wasn’t at all thinking about 59.
“I’ve had a lot of good rounds this year,” said Korda. “I’ve been playing really well; I’ve been striking it really well. I think I’ve had a couple 9-unders, so it was definitely one of the best, yes, but golf humbles you. I got a nice little double on 18.”
Korda, who rose to No. 1 in the world after winning her first major in June, sits at 13-under 129 through 36 holes and holds a four-shot lead over Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Aditi Ashok and Emily Kristine Pedersen.
2. They’re still trying to get in 72 holes.
There was talk of reducing the event to 54 holes due to the combination of extreme heat and storms forecasted over the weekend. The current plan is to shift to an earlier start on Friday using split tees, with players going off Nos. 1 and 10 from 7:30 a.m. local time to 9:23 a.m.
The final round is still scheduled for Saturday, though officials may push play to Sunday if weather permits.
“I really don’t like women’s events getting cut to 54 more often than normal,” said Danielle Kang. “It’s happened to us a little bit too much I think. Men’s finished a 72-hole Olympic round and I would really like us to finish 72 holes.”
3. Lexi Thompson gets third caddie of the week
Aug 4, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Lexi Thompson (USA) reacts after a shot from the rough on the first hole during the first round of the women’s individual stroke play of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Lexi Thompson’s regular caddie Jack Fulghum had to drop the bag mid-round on Wednesday due to a heat index that reached 110 degrees. Donna Wilkins, an LPGA official who happened to be standing nearby, took over for Fulghum on the 15th hole.
“He just asked me, he’s like, ‘Do I look white to you?’,” Thompson said. “And I’m like, I didn’t really notice. He just didn’t look good. I just want him to be healthy, that’s all.”
For Round 2, Thompson had Drew Hinesley on the bag. Hinesley, who was in Japan working for NBC, previously caddied on the PGA Tour and worked for Bryson DeChambeau as an amateur at the 2016 Masters.
Thompson shot 71 on Thursday and holds a share of 39th. She’s 14 shots back of leader Nelly Korda.
4. Two Danish players among closest pursuers
Aug 5, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Nanna Koerstz Madsen (DEN) prepares to putt on the 18th hole during the second round of the women’s individual stroke play of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Nanna Koerstz Madsen’s sizzling front nine included three consecutive birdies and an eagle on Nos. 5-8. While she was playing alongside Aditi Ashok, who also holds a share of second place, Koerstz Madsen’s just so happened to end the day tied at 9 under with another player from Denmark, Emily Kristine Pedersen
“Well, it’s cool being two from Denmark,” said Koerstz Madsen. “We’re not particularly close. We are staying together this week.”
Koerstz Madsen posted a 64 in Round 2 and Pedersen finished one better, carding a 31 on the back side to shoot 63.
“I would say that it’s amazing that two Danes are at the top,” said Pedersen. “I think it’s a really good showcase of golf for Denmark and for women’s golf in Denmark and super happy that we’re both up there.”
5. Aditi Ashok thriving in Toyko with mom on the bag
Aug 5, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Aditi Ashok (IND) walks with her mother and caddy after putting on the 18th green to finish the second round of the women’s individual stroke play of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Most Indians saw women’s golf for the first time when Aditi Ashok competed in Rio, where she was only four shots off the lead after the first two rounds.
Five years later, Ashok finds herself in the same position after rounds of 67-66. Only this time, she had her mother, Mash, on the bag rather than dad. Ashok said she’s a little more “chilled out” with mom at her side.
“I think when my dad’s there he knows my game a lot more, probably sometimes more than I know myself,” said Ashok, “so I always feel compelled to rely on him sometimes.
“Whereas this week I know my mom’s there, I can ask her anything, but in terms of like golf advice she may not be able to help me as much as my dad. So I’m just, I guess I’m committing to my decisions more and being more decisive on my own.”
