Korda and Cowan Shine at Dow Championship; Inkster Makes History at 66

MIDLAND, Mich. — Nelly Korda has found an ideal way to celebrate her recent triumph, teaming up with her close friend Olivia Cowan from Germany for the Dow Championship. After her remarkable victory at the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda and Cowan sit just two strokes off the lead, currently held by Polly Mack and Celine Borge.

This weekend at Midland Country Club also features the legendary Juli Inkster, who, at 66 years old, has made history by becoming the oldest player to make the cut in this event. Partnering with 27-year-old Angel Yin, Inkster recorded a solid 68 in the fourball format. "I’m happy I played,” Inkster reflected. “Sometimes you’ve got to put yourself out there and I felt like I did that this week.”

Mack and Borge, who were among the later starters, delivered an impressive score of 60, bringing their total to 12-under 128 and overtaking the Japanese pair of Ayaka Furue and Yuna Nishimura, who posted a 61. Korda and Cowan matched their score of 60, with Korda leading the charge and Cowan contributing with a crucial 20-foot birdie on their final hole.

“We just wanted to go out and have some fun. That’s when we play our best,” Korda stated. She described the atmosphere as relaxed, an enjoyable follow-up to her previous week’s success. “It’s just been a blast.”

Cowan echoed Korda's sentiments, noting, “Nelly made a lot of putts today. I felt like I needed to make the last one.” Meanwhile, Inkster’s achievement surpasses JoAnne Carner, who previously held the LPGA record for making the cut at 64 years old in 2004. With the Dow Championship being an official event, Inkster now holds the record as the oldest player to do so.

If Korda and Cowan clinch victory, it could also be a significant milestone for Cowan, granting her a two-year exemption on the LPGA Tour.