Nelly Korda Takes 7-Shot Lead at Chevron Championship

Nelly Korda fired a second-round 7-under 65 at the Chevron Championship on Friday, birdieing her final two holes to seize a commanding seven-shot lead after 36 holes at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.

The world number one, a two-time major winner, reached 14-under 130 with remarkable precision, making just one bogey on the par-3 sixth hole where she missed a three-foot putt following a solid chip from below the green. Her performance featured 15 birdies across the two days, showcasing control that extended even to her misses, which landed in safe positions on the challenging, contoured greens.

"I'm comfortable with my game," Korda said. "I think where I'm the most comfortable is definitely with my mindset of knowing when I mess up, I'll figure it out." She emphasized a relaxed approach, noting that tension from fearing mistakes can hinder play. "Sometimes I think you get stuck in wanting to play well and wanting to be at the top always that you have this tension of not wanting to make a mistake. I think there is a power in knowing it's OK to make a mistake and just bounce back."

Korda's closing stretch highlighted her iron play. On the par-5 15th, she hit...