Gainbridge LPGA: Lydia Ko leads Danielle Kang at Boca Rio after superb opening round | Golf News

World No. 1 Nelly Korda is currently tied for 11th on four-under 64, while Daniella Kang trails leader Lydia Ko by two strokes.

Lydia Ko leads after the opening round

Lydia Ko fired a nine-under 63 at Boca Rio on Thursday as she climbed to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Gainbridge LPGA in Florida. 

A superb first round saw the Kiwi deliver three consecutive birdies on two separate occasions to help her finish the day two strokes ahead of American Danielle Kang.

The 24-year-old birdied four of the opening six holes after starting on the back nine, before producing three straight on the front nine.

India’s Aditi Ashok is a shot behind Kang on six-under 66 while Jeongeun Lee6, Yuka Saso, Charley Hull, Hye-Jin Choi, Nasa Hataoka, Gerina Mendoza and Maude-Aimee Leblanc are all tied on five-under.

Ko arrived in the tournament ranked third in the world behind American Nelly Korda, who is tied for 11th, and South Korea’s Jin Young Ko, who is not competing.

Watch the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Friday with Featured Groups from 4am on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from 7.30am.