World No. 2 Nelly Korda surged to a two-shot advantage after the first round of the Chevron Championship, the season's first major, held Thursday at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. Korda’s strong finish propelled her to a 7-under-par 65, giving her a clear lead after the opening day.

Korda's round began with a steady performance, picking up two birdies on Nos. 10-18. However, it was her back nine that really showcased her ability, as she sank three straight birdies from Nos. 1-3, followed by additional birdies on the seventh and eighth holes.

The soggy Memorial Park Golf Course, which has been battered by rainfall throughout the week, presented a challenge for many players. However, Korda's extra practice sessions in the rain earlier in the week appeared to pay off.

“I came out and putted in the rain on Tuesday and Wednesday before the pro-am,” Korda said. “It feels good to put a good round together.”

Korda, who has been in outstanding form this season, has already secured a victory at the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and followed it up with three consecutive second-place finishes. She is currently chasing her third career major victory.

“I have a really great team around me,” said Korda. “There’s a comfort and happiness inside me that makes me happy on the golf course.”

Tied for second place at 5 under are Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee.

Tavatanakit began her round with two birdies in her first three holes and remained steady throughout the day. Despite a slow start to the season, she earned her first top-10 finish at the JM Eagle LA Championship last time out, tying for fifth place.

“It’s about scrambling and putting a round together, even if it’s not perfect,” Tavatanakit shared after her bogey-free round, which included birdies on Nos. 8, 15, and 17.

Lee, who triumphed at the 2025 Dow Championship, carded six birdies but suffered a bogey on her final hole of the day, leaving her at 5 under. Still, she was encouraged by her strong start.

“I remember my first birdie—it boosted my confidence and helped me a lot,” Lee said.

Amateur Farah O'Keefe is part of a four-player group three shots behind Korda at 4 under. O'Keefe, who made five birdies on the day, saw her momentum interrupted by a bogey on the ninth hole. She is tied with France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Japan’s Yuri Yoshida, and China’s Yan Liu.

A group of 10 players are tied for eighth place at 3-under 69, including Ryann O'Toole, Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, Japan’s Sora Kamiya, England’s Mimi Rhodes, Sweden’s Linnea Strom and Maja Stark, and South Korea’s Yunseo Yang, Ina Yoon, and Jin Hee Im. Yang, also an amateur, recorded an eagle on her opening hole of the championship.

Defending champion Mao Saigo of Japan faced challenges throughout her round and finished with a 1-over 73.

As the tournament progresses, Korda will look to maintain her lead and capture her third major victory, while the competition remains fierce among the top contenders.

-Field Level Media/Reuters