Hull takes two-shot lead over Korda in LPGA event

Charley Hull made five birdies on her way to a four-under 66 that earned her a two-shot lead and an extra day of holiday, along with a weekend date with Nelly Korda at The Annika.

Hull, who won in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago to end a two-year winless drought, pulled away with three birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine at Pelican Golf Club.

Korda, playing for the first time in nearly two months because of a minor neck injury, started with a bogey and finished with back-to-back birdies in her round of 68. She is two shots behind and will be in the final group with Hull.

As for that holiday?

Turns out Hull made a bet with her boyfriend that she could add one extra day to her vacation to Europe for every round she makes five birdies - she made seven birdies on Thursday.

"I played pretty solid," Hull said. "It was quite windy, so quite tricky. Yeah, made five birdies today so extra day on holiday."

Alexa Pano made nine birdies before her round ended with a double bogey. It still was good enough for a 64 that left her three shots behind, along with Jin Hee Im (65), Wichanee Meechai (66) and Mi Hyang Lee (68).

Pano is at No.66 in the Race to CME Globe. This is the final tournament to be among the top 60 who qualify for the CME Group Tour Championship next week, where the winner of the season finale gets $4 million ($A6 million).

Lee is at No.59 and took a big step toward making sure she is down the Gulf coast in Naples.

Minjee Lee remains Australia's best-placed Australian, tied for eighth at five under following a second-round 69.

The dual major winner needs to finish in the top 60 in the season-long point standings to qualify for next week's rich and prestigious Tour Championship, and sits provisionally in 55th spot.

Gabriela Ruffels, her Tour Championship spot already secured, shares 22nd position in Florida at three under through two rounds.

But Steph Kyriacou will be absent from next week's big show after missing the halfway cut and falling from 60th to 63rd in the standings.

World No.5 Hannah Green also missed the cut but has already qualified for the Tour Championship after winning three times in 2024.

But the attention for the weekend is at the top. Hull, the carefree character from England who has found a big dose of confidence, and Korda - the best in women's golf who took time to join other athletes posing for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

"I always enjoy playing with Charley. She's always a fun time. Hopefully, we give a good show," Korda said.

Hull is at 10-under 130.

Mexican Gabby Lopez came into the week at No.61 in the Race to CME Globe and posted a 66 to join Minjee's Lee's group, five shots behind. Also on 135 is Carlota Ciganda, a Solheim Cup regular from Spain who is at No.63.

Also at stake this week is keeping a full LPGA card for the 100. Yuri Yoshida came into the week at No.100 and missed the cut. Also missing the cut was former major champion Hyo Joo Kim, who was at No.58 on the points list and might not make it to the final week.