Yoon Takes Control as Korda Chases History, Felce Earns Weekend Spot

The third major championship of the 2026 LPGA season delivered another exciting day at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Ina Yoon continued her impressive performance and remained firmly in control after two rounds. Meanwhile, World No. 1 Nelly Korda stayed within striking distance while chasing an incredible third consecutive major championship. The tournament also featured several impressive rounds, dramatic cut-line battles, and memorable moments before players headed into the weekend.

Yoon entered Friday after an outstanding opening round of 9-under 63. She backed that performance with a steady 3-under 69. As a result, she reached 12-under par through 36 holes. Her consistent play gave her a five-shot advantage entering the third round. Yoon avoided major mistakes throughout both rounds and continued to display outstanding ball striking and confident putting.

Four players shared second place at 7-under par. Brooke Henderson finished with a brilliant closing stretch that included three consecutive birdies. Consequently, she climbed into contention entering the weekend. South Korea’s A Lim Kim also posted 7-under after another solid round. Hae-Ran Ryu produced one of Friday’s biggest charges. After opening with a 73, Ryu fired an outstanding second round that vaulted her near the top of the leaderboard. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka also joined the group at 7-under.

Nelly Korda remained very much alive despite trailing by six shots. After opening with an even-par 70, she responded with an impressive 4-under 68 on Friday. She started quickly with birdies on her opening two holes after beginning on the back nine. Those early gains immediately moved her closer to the leaders. Korda eventually finished the day at 6-under overall and tied for sixth place with Dong-Eun Lee.

Korda seeks history this week after already winning the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this season. Another major victory would complete an incredible three-major streak during 2026. In addition, another victory would secure the final two points she needs for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Therefore, plenty remains at stake over the final two rounds.

Several notable players also positioned themselves inside the top 15. Patty Tavatanakit, Maja Stark, Atthaya Thitikul, Ayaka Furue, Dewi Weber, Jing Yan, Karis Davidson, and Weiwei Zhang all remained within reach entering the weekend. Although they trail Yoon, strong weekend rounds could quickly change the championship picture at Hazeltine.

Friday also determined which players continued into the weekend. The cut line settled at 2-over par. England’s Charley Hull survived on the number and earned two more rounds. However, fellow English golfer Lottie Woad narrowly missed advancing. Woad came into the week after an emotional runner-up finish at the Meijer LPGA Classic. Unfortunately, she missed the cut by only one stroke.

Several memorable moments highlighted Friday’s action beyond the leaderboard. Shannon Tan recorded the tournament’s second hole-in-one with a spectacular ace on the fourth hole. Amanda Doherty produced the first ace earlier in the week on the 17th hole. Meanwhile, Gaby Lopez nearly watched her approach roll into a turtle crossing the green, creating one of the week’s lighthearted moments.

Hazeltine National Golf Club continued to challenge the world’s best players despite playing slightly shorter on Friday. Tournament officials set the course at 6,744 yards after it measured 6,820 yards during the opening round. Even so, the demanding layout rewarded accurate ball striking and punished costly mistakes throughout the day.

The historic Minnesota venue has hosted many of golf’s biggest championships. Hazeltine previously welcomed the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, NCAA Men’s Championship, U.S. Amateur, and several other prestigious events. The club will also host the 2029 Ryder Cup, adding another chapter to its impressive championship history.

Local golfer and Walker Report podcast friend Nicole Felce enjoyed an outstanding second round to secure a weekend tee time. Felce carded a 2-under-par 70 on Friday after opening with a 75. Consequently, she finished the first 36 holes at 1-over par. Since the cut line settled at 2-over, Felce comfortably advanced to the weekend. Her strong second round featured steady play throughout the day and rewarded her with two more opportunities to compete against the world’s best players.

With two rounds remaining, Yoon owns a comfortable lead. However, several accomplished players remain within striking distance. Korda continues her pursuit of history, Henderson carries momentum after a strong finish, and a talented group of contenders still hopes to capture the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship title. The weekend promises another exciting chapter as the season’s third major reaches its conclusion.