Korda Takes Chevron Championship Lead Amid Strong Debut Performances

American golfer Nelly Korda has seized the early advantage at the Chevron Championship, the first major event for women in 2025, with a commanding first-round score of seven-under-par 65. The two-time major champion, who claimed the title in 2024, showcased her sharp form by completing the round without a single bogey at Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course.

“The wind was picking up here and there,” Korda remarked. “Through the trees it was definitely gusting, so I had to lock in on a couple of yardages here and there. Overall, I just felt really good, though, out there.”

Meanwhile, England’s Mimi Rhodes made a strong impression on her tournament debut, finishing five-under-par 69. The 24-year-old, who secured three victories on the Ladies European Tour last season, sits four shots behind the leader. Her performance places her among 10 players at three-under-par, including notable names like South Korean Somi Lee and Thai Patty Tavatanakit, who shared the 2021 title when the event was held in California.

Other players on the leaderboard include French golfer Paul Bouchard, Chinese player Yu Liu, and American Farah O’Keefe, all at four-under-par. Charley Hull, ranked fourth in the women’s world rankings, remains at level par after a 74, while world number one Jeeno Thitikul opened with a 74, placing her two-over-par and nine shots back from the lead. Additional participants like Luke Woad, Gail Dryburgh, and M. Lee also recorded notable scores.