Nelly Korda shoots 73, 11 back from lead at Founders Cup - ESPN

CLIFTON, N.J. — Madelene Sagstrom and Rose Zhang left Nelly Korda and everyone else way behind Saturday in the Cognizant Founders Cup.

Trying to win a record sixth straight LPGA Tour event, Korda was 11 shots behind Sagstrom and 10 back of two-time NCAA champion Zhang with a round left at Upper Montclair Country Club.

After months of near-perfect play, Korda inexplicably hit bad drives, found bunkers from the fairway and missed short putts. She shot a 1-over 73.

«I think I've played really good golf the past couple months,» Korda said. «I'm human, so I'm going to have bad days. I'm not going to feel 100% out here mentally, physically, or whatever, but I'm going to give it my all. It was just one of those days where it felt like a constant battle and didn't really play too well.»

Sagstrom, who has played well on this course the past three years, had a 66 to get to 19-under 197. Zhang, who won in her professional debut in New Jersey state a year ago, had a 67 after lipping out on a short birdie putt at No. 18.

Unless something unexpected happens, one of them will win their second LPGA Tour title. The 31-year-old Sagstrom has not won since 2020. The Swede had a bogey-free round of six birdies, highlighted by three in row on the last three holes on the front nine.

«I felt like this laser focus all week,» Sagstrom said. «I felt super, not super committed to everything, but I felt really in the moment. And that's kind of the game I think I need to play tomorrow.»

The 20-year-old Zhang, who won the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City last year, had seven birdies and two bogeys.

Zhang and Sagstrom had a good time on the course, congratulating each other on good shots while sharing a couple of laughs.

«I think the most important