Rain Expected to Shake Up the Ford Championship as Charley Hull Takes the Lead
As the Ford Championship gears up for its second round at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona, players are bracing for potentially disruptive weather. An ominous forecast predicts an 80% chance of rain, which could significantly impact the game’s dynamics at this early-season highlight event.
Charley Hull stunned the field with a sensational 9-under 63 in the opening round, seizing a narrow one-stroke lead over close competitor Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Hull’s exceptional performance, featuring seven birdies and an eagle, has set the stage for a thrilling continuation as she tees off at 12:39 PM ET alongside Lydia Ko and Ruoning Yin. Both Ko and Yin delivered impressive 7-under rounds, promising fierce competition in the upcoming session.
However, Hull faces a potential hurdle with her afternoon start time. Data from Round 1 revealed that morning players had a slight edge, outperforming their afternoon counterparts by almost a stroke. The afternoon session could prove challenging, especially with the impending weather conditions.
Meanwhile, defending champion Nelly Korda is poised to exploit her advantageous early tee time. Starting at 7:44 AM ET from the 10th tee, Korda is grouped with Jeeno Thitikul and Patty Tavatanakit. Korda’s solid 5-under 67 places her just four shots off Hull’s lead, positioning her well for a strategic advance.
In another compelling pairing, Lexi Thompson aims to bounce back from a mixed first round when she tees off at 12:28 PM with Hannah Green and A Lim Kim. Thompson showed accuracy off the tee but struggled with her putter, an aspect she’ll need to refine to climb the leaderboard.
Tee Times Set the Stage for Intrigue
The tee times for Round 2 are meticulously scheduled, reflecting strategic pairings that could shift the tournament’s momentum. With the anticipation of rain, the morning groups might experience more stable conditions, while afternoon players brace for the full impact of the forecasted showers and shifting green speeds.
Weather experts predict temperatures to hover around 8°C, although it might feel like 14°C in the midday. Light showers, coupled with a slight chance of thunderstorms, add an unpredictable element, further complicating the players’ strategies. Wind conditions have eased slightly, with WSW winds at 7 km/h and occasional gusts up to 20 km/h, a relief compared to the blustery 28 km/h winds from the first round.
Key Questions Loom Over Round 2
The unfolding narrative leaves us with several pressing questions: Will Charley Hull manage to extend her lead despite the challenging afternoon conditions? Can Nelly Korda leverage her favorable morning start to close the gap? The answers remain to be seen as the drama unfolds on the course.
Join the conversation and share your predictions for Round 2. The stage is set for an exhilarating day at the Ford Championship!