Nelly Korda, aiming to equal an LPGA Tour record with her fifth consecutive win, carded a 4-under 68 in the opening round of the Chevron Championship, trailing leader Lauren Coughlin by two shots in the first major of the year. Coughlin, navigating windy conditions at Carlton Woods, shot a bogey-free 66 to take the early lead.
The top-ranked Korda, eyeing her second major title following her 2021 Women's PGA Championship victory, could potentially join Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sorenstam (2004-05) as the only players to secure five consecutive LPGA wins.
Korda acknowledged battling fatigue from recent tournaments at the start of her round, opening with a bogey on the par-4 10th hole. However, she found her rhythm and made six birdies, including four in the final six holes, leveraging her length off the tee to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Marina Alex and Minami Katsu also posted 68s, while Lydia Ko was among five players at 69. Coughlin, a 31-year-old yet to win on the LPGA Tour, attributed her strong play to her husband serving as her full-time caddie, emphasizing his strategic input and communication.
Defending champion Lilia Vu withdrew due to a back injury, while last year's runner-up Angel Yin also pulled out after shooting 78. A victory for Ko would secure her a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame, with the 26-year-old New Zealander acknowledging pre-tournament nerves despite her extensive experience and success.
As the competition unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate whether Korda can make history with a fifth straight win or if another contender will emerge victorious at the prestigious Chevron Championship.
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