Golf30 Mar 20263 min read

Nelly Korda Dominates LPGA Scoring; Takeda Leads Birdie Count

Nelly Korda continues her stellar form with the best scoring average on the LPGA Tour through March 29, while Rio Takeda leads the circuit in birdies. The statistical leaders showcase the diverse talent across multiple performance categories.

Nelly Korda Dominates LPGA Scoring; Takeda Leads Birdie Count
Image via lasvegassun.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1.With major championships and big-purse events approaching, these performance metrics will serve as valuable indicators of form and readiness for the season's biggest stages.
  • 2.Chasing Korda in the scoring race is South Korea's Hyo Joo Kim at 67.63, fresh off her commanding 28-under-par victory at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.
  • 3.The LPGA Tour's early season statistical leaders reveal a compelling picture of excellence across multiple facets of the game, with world number one Nelly Korda setting the pace in key categories through March 29.

The LPGA Tour's early season statistical leaders reveal a compelling picture of excellence across multiple facets of the game, with world number one Nelly Korda setting the pace in key categories through March 29.

Korda has established herself as the premier scorer on tour with an impressive 67.09 stroke average, showcasing the form that has made her one of women's golf's most dominant players. Her consistent excellence extends beyond just scoring, as she also leads the tour in greens in regulation at 84 percent, demonstrating the precision that separates elite players from the field.

Chasing Korda in the scoring race is South Korea's Hyo Joo Kim at 67.63, fresh off her commanding 28-under-par victory at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. Kim's recent triumph validates her position among the tour's elite scorers and highlights her ability to convert statistical excellence into tournament victories.

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Nelly Korda Emerges From 'Weird' 2025 Season as World No. 2 Dominates

Australia's Hannah Green rounds out the top three in scoring average at 67.88, while former major champions In Gee Chun (68.88) and rising star Haeran Ryu (69.26) complete the top five, illustrating the international depth of talent on the LPGA Tour.

The power game on tour is led by an unexpected name, as Riley Smyth tops the driving distance charts with an impressive 301-yard average. This mark puts her ahead of seasoned veterans and demonstrates how distance has become increasingly important in the modern women's game.

Yana Wilson follows at 294.67 yards, while Julia Lopez Ramirez rounds out the top three at 293.07 yards. The presence of multiple players averaging over 290 yards highlights the evolution of athleticism and equipment in women's professional golf.

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2026 Aramco Championship Field Set: Korda, Hull Lead Star-Studded Las Vegas Event

In the birdie-making department, Japan's Rio Takeda has been prolific with 92 birdies through the measurement period, establishing herself as the tour's most aggressive scorer. Kim follows closely with 90 birdies, while Japan's Ayaka Furue sits third with 88.

The putting statistics reveal Kim's well-rounded game, as she leads the tour in putts per green in regulation at 1.65, showcasing the short-game precision that complements her recent tournament success. Multiple players tie at 1.66, including former world number one Ariya Jutanugarn, demonstrating the razor-thin margins that separate elite performers.

Korda's dominance extends to the eagles category, where she shares the lead with four others at five eagles each. Jenny Bae, Hye-Jin Choi, and Kim join Korda atop this power statistic, while Ryann O'Toole and Ruoning Yin trail with four eagles apiece.

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The sand save percentage category showcases some lesser-known talents, with Mary Liu posting a perfect 100 percent success rate from bunkers. Taiwan's Peiyun Chien follows at 89 percent, while Australian star Minjee Lee demonstrates her all-around excellence at 86 percent.

In terms of consistent scoring, Takeda's aggressive approach pays dividends as she leads in rounds under par at 78 percent. Her ability to consistently break par aligns with her birdie-making prowess and suggests a player capable of contending regularly.

Hye-Jin Choi and promising young talent Lottie Woad follow in the under-par percentage category, while veteran Lindy Duncan and rising star Ryu round out the top performers in this crucial consistency metric.

These statistics paint a picture of a highly competitive tour where multiple players excel in different areas. Korda's dual leadership in scoring and greens in regulation suggests a player operating at peak performance, while the distribution of leadership across categories indicates the depth of talent throughout the field.

As the LPGA Tour season progresses, these statistical leaders will face the challenge of maintaining their excellence while adapting to varying course conditions and competitive pressures. The early season numbers provide a foundation for understanding which players have positioned themselves for sustained success in 2026.