The Kroger Queen City Championship is shaping up to be a thriller, as Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty share the second-round lead at 7-under par after both carded 4-under 66s on Friday. But all eyes are on Nelly Korda, who sits just three shots back in her pursuit of a third consecutive victory—a feat that would cement her status as the hottest player in women's golf.
Korda, who won The Chevron Championship for her third major title before triumphing in Mexico and taking last week off, posted a 67 in the morning session at Maketewah Country Club. Despite two late birdies, the world No. 1 wasn't entirely satisfied with her ball-striking. "There have definitely been some loose shots," she admitted. "Not really happy with the way I'm hitting it right now, but overall, I'm not complaining with the position I'm in. Hopefully, I can go figure something out again on the range after today."
Ko, the 30-year-old South Korean star with 15 LPGA Tour wins and two major titles from 2019, delivered a bogey-free round to reach 7-under 133. Reflecting on her mindset, she said, "Getting older, like little more afraid and think too much. I'm just trying to be like the time, like 2018 through 2021. So, brave is good key for me, and just have fun." That vintage form could prove dangerous over the weekend.
Doherty, meanwhile, is enjoying a breakthrough moment. The 28-year-old former Florida State player, who is still searching for her first LPGA Tour win, fired five birdies against a single bogey in the afternoon, closing with a birdie on the par-3 18th. "I'm really excited," she 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." For a player fighting to secure higher tour status, this could be a career-defining week.
Lottie Woad made a major move with a 64 to sit just one stroke back, while Lydia Ko—playing alongside Korda and Jeeno Thitikul—shot a 67 to lurk at 5-under. Thitikul, who won the Mizuho Americas Open last week in New Jersey, is also in the mix at 4-under alongside Korda, Jennifer Kupcho, Chella Choi, and Rio Takeda.
With the leaderboard packed and the weather heating up in Cincinnati, the third round is already underway. Whether it's Ko's fearless approach, Doherty's underdog story, or Korda's quest for history, this weekend promises plenty of drama at Maketewah Country Club.