Sagstrom, Zhang break away in Founders Cup, dashing Korda's bid for record 6th straight LPGA victory

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 per cent 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 last 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 who starred at LSU had a bogey-free round of six birdies, highlighted by three in row on the last three holes on the front nine.

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., the only Canadian to make the cut, is tied for 59th at 1 over heading into Sunday's final round.

"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.

Zhan