Juli Inkster became the oldest player to make the cut at the Dow Championship on Friday, shooting a second-round 67 to reach the weekend at Midland Country Club. At 64 years old, the LPGA Hall of Famer finished at 4-under par, securing her spot in the final two rounds of the team event. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda and partner Olivia Cowan remain in contention, sitting two shots off the lead heading into the moving day.
Juli Inkster’s Historic Performance at the Dow Championship
Juli Inkster’s achievement at the 2024 Dow Championship marks a significant milestone in LPGA Tour history. By making the cut at age 64, Inkster surpassed the previous record for the oldest player to play the weekend in an LPGA event. According to official LPGA scoring, Inkster paired with Alexandra Forsterling to card a 3-under 67 in the alternate-shot format, following an opening-round 69.
The feat highlights the longevity of the seven-time major champion, who continues to compete against a field dominated by players decades her junior. Her ability to navigate the Midland Country Club course—noted for its strategic demand—demonstrates the endurance required for professional team golf.
Nelly Korda and Olivia Cowan’s Pursuit of the Lead
World No. 1 Nelly Korda, partnered with Olivia Cowan, continues to challenge for the top of the leaderboard. Following a victory at the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this season, Korda entered the Dow Championship as a primary focus for spectators and analysts alike.
According to tournament data, the duo sits at 10-under par through 36 holes, trailing the leaders by two strokes. The pair utilized a balanced approach during the first two rounds, combining Korda’s power off the tee with Cowan’s consistency in the short game. The Dow Championship’s unique format—alternating between foursomes and four-ball—requires a high degree of chemistry between partners, a dynamic that has kept the Korda-Cowan team firmly in the hunt for the trophy.
Tournament Context and Format
The Dow Championship serves as the only official team event on the LPGA Tour schedule. The format requires teams to play alternate-shot (foursomes) in the first and third rounds, and best-ball (four-ball) in the second and fourth rounds.
This structure creates a distinct competitive environment compared to standard stroke-play tournaments. Because players must account for their partner’s ball placement, the strategy shifts toward risk management rather than individual aggression. The tournament is held at the Midland Country Club in Michigan, a venue that has hosted the event since its inception as a team competition in 2019.
Key Details for the Weekend
- The Cut Line: The field was trimmed to the top 33 teams and ties following the second round, with a cut line set at 4-under par.
- Format: The final two rounds will feature the best-ball format, which historically yields lower scores as players can play more aggressively knowing their partner’s ball is in play.
- Leaderboard Status: With several teams bunched within three strokes of the lead, the Sunday finish is expected to be closely contested.
As the tournament moves into the final 36 holes, the focus shifts to whether the current leaders can maintain their momentum under the pressure of the best-ball format. Korda’s presence in the final groups ensures high viewership, while Inkster’s record-breaking run provides a compelling narrative for golf fans observing the tournament’s evolution.
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