2024 Women’s Open: Nelly Korda three shots ahead of Charley Hull and Lilia Vu at St Andrews after second round

Nelly Korda has a three-shot lead after a flawless 68 in the second round of the St Andrews Women’s Open.

The American is eight under par this week, with England’s Charley Hull – who led after the first round – and defending champion Lilia Vu, also of the United States, her closest challengers.

After birdies on the fifth and ninth holes, Korda, a two-time major winner, also made long putts for wins on the 17th and 18th holes.

“I didn’t take advantage of the calmer conditions on my front nine (back nine). But I played some really solid golf and I’m happy with that,” Korda said.

Meanwhile, Hull, seeking his first major title, followed his first-round 67 with a 72 to tie for par.

A runner-up in the Women’s Open and U.S. Women’s Open last year, Hull bogeyed the second hole but three birdies in five holes before the turn took her to seven under par.

However, missed shots at Nos. 10 and 14 leave him with work to do before the weekend.

“I actually think I hit it as well as I did yesterday, I just missed three or four four-foot putts, but that was early in my round,” Hull said.

“I’m only three shots behind. That’s nothing going into the weekend, especially on this golf course.”