No matter where or when the Founders Cup is played, count on Jin Young Ko to work her way into contention.
Ko has won this event three times already in her career on three different courses. If she closes out this week at Bradenton Country Club, that would make it four different courses she has won the Founders Cup on.
While Yealimi Noh challenged the Bradenton Country Club tournament record, Ko did indeed break it Friday afternoon, despite a pedestrian first nine. Ko went out on the back first and shot -2 with a pair of birdies. She exploded on the back nine though. Ko birdied holes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 on her way to a 63.
As is usually the case when Ko dominates an event, the approach game was particularly on point. Ko hit 17 greens Friday with great proximity, leading to only 27 putts for the round.
Ko did it in front of a crowd too, playing in the premiere group alongside hometown star Nelly Korda, who shot -3 for the day and sits in a T13 six shots back.
“Yeah, I had a lot of good birdie chances but I missed some putts, but still I played really nice,” said Ko. “Really, yeah, fun to play with Nelly and Minjee of course. I’m looking forward on the weekend.”
Ko goes into the weekend with a two stroke lead over Yealimi Noh, Minami Katsu, Angel Yin and Jin Hee Im.
Ko went winless on the LPGA Tour in 2024 for the first time in her career. She is working with someone new on the bag Nate Blasko, as her and longtime caddie David Brooker split after five years. If she wins this week, that would put her at 16 in her career.
