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Original Tour Striker Smart Ball - Golf Training Aid Equipment - Swing Trainer Ball Between Arms for Practice & Posture Correction - Patented

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• PATENTED Training Aid: Enhance your golf game by learning swing extension, rhythm, and tempo. Master drives to putts, ensuring improved control and performance. Elevate your skills with every shot.
• Master rhythm and timing: Utilize the patented Tour Striker SmartBall, a golf training aid designed to synchronize your body and arms, ensuring a true aim and impactful swing, aiding in positive recovery and teaching proper arm path.
• Effortless power: Enhance your game from putter to driver with this inflatable swing trainer ball, relieving shoulder stress and improving posture as you strike with true aim and precision, suitable for golfers of all levels.
• Correct common flaws: Eliminate arm slide and maintain a consistent swing path using this versatile equipment, which serves as both a balancer and educator, providing ultimate fitness and practice.
• Enhance consistency: Lengthen and strengthen your body pivot with the Tour Striker SmartBall, a golf training aid that incorporates ropes and strings for effective teaching and aids in improving your center of gravity.

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Product Description

Introducing the Tour Striker Smart Ball, the ultimate golf training aid designed to revolutionize your swing technique and elevate your performance on the course. Crafted with precision and innovation, this smart ball serves as your personal swing trainer, offering unparalleled insight into the mechanics of your swing. By placing the Smart Ball between your arms during practice, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how your arms and body work together to create a fluid and powerful swing motion. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice golfer, the Smart Ball provides invaluable feedback, helping you master the rhythm and timing essential for consistent ball striking. Say goodbye to common swing flaws like the dreaded "chicken wing" and arm slide as the Smart Ball promotes a proper swing path and encourages a synchronized movement of your body and arms. Its inflatable design ensures comfort during use, while its versatility allows for use with a wide range of clubs, from putters to drivers. The Smart Ball isn't just a training aid; it's a game-changer, empowering you to take control of your swing and unleash effortless power with every stroke. Improve your posture, strengthen your body pivot, and refine your technique with the Tour Striker Smart Ball, the ultimate companion for golfers dedicated to reaching their full potential. Whether you're practicing at the range or refining your skills at home, make every swing count with the Tour Striker Smart Ball by your side.

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Technical details, additional information, videos for this product.

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Customer Review: Pro Golfer Justin Rose uses in practice

uofmtailgtr

Fix the Chicken Wing

Tour Striker, Inc

Customer Review: Great aid for at home or at the course

Katherine Jacoby

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the training tool, durability, and accuracy of the golf ball. They say it's a great training aid and works well as a swing aid. However, some customers find the value poor and the product expensive for what it is. They also find it awkward to use and dislike air resistance. Opinions are mixed on quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the training tool great and useful. They say the concept is helpful and useful, and it helps develop tempo and muscle memory. Some say it's a well-hyped golf improvement tool, but others find it helpful or easy to use.

"Excellent training aid and has helped to improve my ball striking " Read more

" Great concept and it absolutely helps with proper swing techniques - especially with irons and even your putter...." Read more

"...'s helpful for engraining some of the right swing feels and provides immediate feedback if you do them incorrectly...." Read more

"Good product in theory. And helpful as a swing aid ...." Read more

Customers like the durability of the golf swing aid. They mention that it really works, is simple but effective, and is a wonderful tool that quickly builds muscle memory for a wide range of golfers.

" Good product in theory . And helpful as a swing aid...." Read more

"...I now use it in every range session. Really works , especially for us older guys trying to "wrong way" manufacture distance. Highly recommended !" Read more

"... It didn't work well for ME because my arms are too long for the lanyard it's attached to but the concept is great and just thinking about it and..." Read more

"A simple device to improve arm positioning through the golf swing. Works well ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the accuracy of the product. They mention that it helps them hit shots straighter and consistently.

"...She was able to put the club on a better swing plane and hit the ball a lot more square !..." Read more

"...For the first time in 60 years, I'm hitting the ball correctly , consistently and very well." Read more

" Helps me hit shot straighter !!!!!!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the training aid. Some mention it's well made and simple, while others say it'll break easily and is of poor quality.

"Amazing training aid but TERRIBLE quality .Im on my second smart ball. First one got a leak in it. Second on now ALSO has a leak in it...." Read more

"...The product itself is very simply made , an inflatable bladder and and adjustable tether...." Read more

"...Second, as a training device it’s questionable . Most of your focus ends up trying to keep the ball between your arms...." Read more

"Works as intended but the build quality is really cheap and it leaks air so it needs to be constantly inflated...." Read more

Customers are disappointed with the value of the ball. They say it's expensive for what it is, and the quality is poor.

"...I just think it is a tad pricey for what the material is made of and there are probably knock-offs out there that are cheaper...." Read more

"...Within 3 weeks, that also developed a slow leak. Not worth the money , unfortunately. Now returning the 2nd ball...." Read more

"...Works well. It's overpriced , in my opinion, but that's an issue separate from its effectiveness." Read more

"... WAYYYY to expensive for what it is. Should be a 20-30$ price point...." Read more

Customers find the product extremely awkward to use.

"...I have only used it once on the range but found it extremely awkward to use ...." Read more

"This is a excellent training tool. Its a bit awkward at first but it has helped improve my golf swing - useful in the full swing as well as chipping." Read more

"Not super impressed. Difficult to use " Read more

"...instructions and seeing the infomercial about it, I found it really awkward to use ." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the air resistance of the sporting goods. They mention that it splits easily, fails to retain air pressure, and leaks air so it needs to be constantly inflated.

"...After less than 10 range sessions the product split and not longer holds air . Shop for a different solution." Read more

"...the build quality is really cheap and it leaks air so it needs to be constantly inflated ...." Read more

" Fails to retain air pressure ." Read more

" tour striker ball would not hold air and had to return." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the leakage of the sports ball. They mention that their first one got a leak in it.

"...I had to return the first Smart Ball because it developed a slow leak within 2 weeks of use.A second ball was sent...." Read more

"...First one got a leak in it. Second on now ALSO has a leak in it . I only keep this thing in my golf bag so no unusual abuse... always protected...." Read more

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Tour Striker Smart Ball Review

More in reviews:.

50 Words or Less

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is a “better mousetrap” version of a couple classic golf drills.  Very useful and affordable.

Introduction

Save 10% on all tour striker products with code pg-9682.

Set-Up & Ease of Use

The Tour Striker Smart Ball consists of a small inflatable ball and a lanyard.  The ball clips to the lanyard easily, and the ball can be used either inflated or deflated, depending on the drill.  Changing the length of the lanyard is easy.  All in all, the Smart Ball couldn’t be much easier to use .

Effectiveness

There are three primary drills that the Tour Striker Smart Ball is useful for: the ball between the arms, glove under the right arm, and glove under the left arm.  The question, then, is why do you need the Smart Ball?

Let’s address the “glove under arm” drills first.  One small benefit of using the Smart Ball is that you don’t have to bend over to pick up your glove after each swing .  This isn’t a game changer, but it’s always nice to remove a hassle from your practice session.  The more important thing that the Smart Ball does is enhance the feedback you get when you lose your connection.  The golf swing happens so fast that it’s easy to lose track of when your arm flies loose.  With the Smart Ball, not only will you feel the ball drop out of your armpit, you will also feel a little tug on the lanyard letting you know that your arm is disconnected from your body.

The Smart Ball offers even more benefits for the “ball between arms” drill.  You still get the benefit of not having to pick something up after each swing and getting more feedback, but you also get a ball that’s perfectly sized and not too heavy .  There are literally dozens of devices that you can do this drill with, but many of them are too big, too small, or too heavy.  If they’re too big or small, they ruin the structure of your arms and defeat the purpose of the drill.  If they’re too heavy, they introduce an unwanted influence on the swing which compromises the drill.

All in all, the Tour Striker Smart Ball isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just perfect it, and it does that job very well.

The longevity grade for the Tour Striker Smart Ball is mixed.  On one hand, the uses for it aren’t as varied as many of the other Tour Striker training aids.  On the other hand, the drills it does are truly elevated by the Smart Ball, and the Smart Ball is really small and easy to keep in the bag.

At $40, the Tour Striker Smart Ball is very affordable and a worthwhile purchase for anyone who uses its drills regularly.  For a coach, this is a no-brainer purchase.

If you’re one of the tens of thousands of golfers working to fix the structure of your arms, do yourself a favor and pick up the Tour Striker Smart Ball .   This simple training aid makes classic drills easier to do and more effective.

Shop Tour Striker HERE

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Matt, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you like the Smart Ball. -Martin

I have one of these. Makes the practice on arm structure more precise and productive. Most people think their arms don’t break down but they do, and this shows you where in the swing you are getting loose. Added thought I use: Squeezing the ball between my forearms also helps me relax my grip at the same time. Since too much grip pressure is my No. 1 flaw, it has really helped and I am getting a nice smooth release now. Using this even with slow half swings is a great warmup that really helps contact.

I appreciate that Martin Chuck has expressed there are other similar option or home items that can be used (e.g. 6″ beach ball and lanyard). This is a great multi-use training aid.

If you can answer, would this or the planemate be something better to use for swing plane and connectedness? I use the planemate but feel that I still lose arm connection, although my biggest sort of swing fault seems to be hip rotation relative to the body.

I haven’t tested the PlaneMate, so I can’t speak to that.

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I bought the Tour Striker Smart Ball: Here’s why

This morning, I ordered the Tour Striker Smart Ball on Amazon. I finally reached my breaking point yesterday and decided it was time to make a change.

Below, I will step through what lead to this decision and why I think it will be a good investment into my game.

Identifying the Problem

If you have been following along on the blog the last several weeks, then you know that I am in a bit of a slump when it comes to my golf game. My handicap has been on a consistent rise over the last year and a half and I cant seem to get my shit together, so it is time to start trying something new.

The biggest problem I am having with my golf game, is ball control. At the moment, I have no idea where the ball is going on any given shot and that is kind of a problem.

For the last several weeks, my miss has been predominantly a hook. Missing left is out of character for me. My normal tendency is to miss to the right.

Yesterday however, I was missing shots in both directions. In my last four holes, I hooked one out of bounds left on a par 3 and then two holes later I hit my drive out of bounds to the right. I don’t care who you are, good golf is impossible with a two way miss.

Missing both ways tells me two things are wrong:

• I have no control of the clubface
• My swing is out of sync

Typically when I lose control of the clubface it means that I am getting too handsy with my swing. In my experience, my swing gets handsy when my arms are out of sync with the rest of my body. The first step in getting control of my golf ball is by working to get my swing back into sync.

The Solution : The Tour Striker Smart Ball

I need to find a way to sync my arm swing with my body rotation in order to regain control of the clubface. Which lead me to the purchase of the Tour Striker Smart Ball.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is a training aid that helps golfers sync the arms and body in golf swing.

Exactly what the doctor ordered.

How does the Smart Ball work?

If you want a description of how this product works straight from the horse’s mouth, you can follow this link –> ( Tour Striker ). In simple terms though, you place the Tour Striker Smart Ball between your forearms and make full swings with or without the golf ball in place (pictured below).

Making swings with the ball in between your forearms forces you to sync your body rotation with your arm swing. If your arms don’t swing in concert with the rest of your body, then the ball falls out from between your forearms.

The thing I like about this training aid is that I think it will keep me more centered throughout the entirety of my swing. Having the ball between my arms is going to force me to keep my arms centered to my chest. That in turn will force me to rotate my body more aggressively to square up the clubface. Using more rotation is a good way to take the hands out of the swing.

Follow up blog to come

As you can tell, I have pretty high hopes for this Tour Striker Smart Ball. Obviously, this is the beginning of the process for me, so I am not entirely sure that this ball is the answer to my prayers, but I do think it matches up with my current needs as detailed above. Once I have had some time to use the ball to see what benefits it actually presents, I will post a follow up blog with a full review of the product.

Stay tuned!

Until next time,

Enjoy the chase!

If you want to see more posts from the blog, you can find them by following this link –> Chasing Birdies Blog .

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• Instruction & Academy

Tour Striker Smart Ball

By Shane Cavitt October 13, 2023 in Instruction & Academy

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Shane cavitt.

Looking at picking up a Tour Striker Smart Ball. I see there are a ton of much cheaper alternatives on amazon and other sites. Is there really any substantial difference in them? Should I spring for the original or will one of the cheaper alternatives serve me just as well?

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A cheaper alternative would be the way to go.  I picked mine up on Amazon for $15 and have had 0 issues with reliability.

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It's a pretty good training aid, but i was disappointed by the quality.  A leak developed in mine several weeks after purchasing.   A little tape was required but it still leaks and constantly needs to be inflated.  Dealing with that is a pain but the aid is still helpful.  There's alternatives but most are balls that fall down during the swing, this is only one I'm aware of with the landyard that keeps it in place. Expensive for what it is though.

johnrobison

Nerf ball + Carving knife + Ace wrap = $20

I use a ballon that was left over from a birthday party. Tied an old shoelace to it to hang around my neck

Was it Monte that was on video somewhere saying he just took a used water bottle and put it between a student's forearms?

A 6” soft inflated  spikey ball bought at the dollar store .The spikes make it easy to hold between your arms 

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Tour Striker Smart Ball – As used by PGA Tour Players

$ 79.95 inc. GST

Out of stock

Free AUS Shipping On Orders Over $50

As Seen on FOX Sports The Golf Show!

The Tour Striker Smart Ball is quickly becoming a favorite training aid for men and women on the professional tours and some of golf’s top instructors.

✔︎Synchronizes Your Body And Arms – Putter To Driver! ✔︎Rids You Of The Dreaded “Chicken Wing” ✔︎Provides The Feeling Of Striking From the Inside Out ✔︎Help You “Get Through” The Shot – No Quitting! ✔︎Lengthens And Strengthens Body Pivot

Justin Rose – Warming up @ The 2017 WGC- HSBC Champions – He won the event. 

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• Reviews (1)

Tour Striker Smart Ball

This inflatable, flocked “beach ball,” connects to an ADJUSTABLE lanyard to meet the fit of anyone. It is the best BODY CONNECTION training aid on the market and can be used flat, under either armpit or inflated between the forearms.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball will help you understand HOW the arms and body work during an effective golf swing. Few people put in quality practice working on the sequence of arms and body. Be one of the few who own the rhythm and timing required to become a high-level ball striker. An ultra-light and portable way to sequence your arms and body as you develop your ball striking skills. Take control of your swing NOW so you can have Effortless Power rather than Powerless Effort.

Check out these social media posts and videos.

*Justin Rose is not paid to endorse, nor publicly endorses the Tour Striker Smart Ball.

Inside Beatriz Recari’s Golf Bag

Customer Testimo ny

I purchased one of the new Smart Ball training aids and wanted to pass this along to you guys. I’m a high handicapper but that’s mostly due to a lack of playing and practice; 15 or 16 at best. I purchased the Smart Ball at the PGA show in Orlando and I met the inventor. I own the Tour Striker Irons (which I own both the 7 iron and SW), as well as the Educator. All of these products have helped with the ball striking, but it wasn’t until I used the Smart Ball that I realized that my follow through was what was preventing a lot of good solid shots, I played 4 times after my purchase and was hammering the ball thanks to my new follow through feeling. Thanks for a great product and showing me both sides of the swing.

Steve M – Dayton,Ohio

1 review for Tour Striker Smart Ball – As used by PGA Tour Players

Sebastian – January 15, 2018

Awesome product, simple to use and has been really helpful to feel my arms in sync!

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

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Nelly Korda Shoots 69 in Founders, Leaving Her 6 Shots Back in Bid for 6th LPGA Tour Win in a Row

Nelly Korda is going to have some work to do if she wants to win a record sixth straight LPGA tournament, especially the way Rose Zhang is playing

Nelly Korda looks after her shot off the 13th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda is going to have some work to do to win a record sixth straight LPGA Tour title, especially the way Rose Zhang is playing.

Korda shot a relatively mistake-free 3-under 69 early in the first round of the Cognizant Founders Cup on Thursday and then could only watch as the 20-year-old Zhang tied tghe tournament record with a 63 in the afternoon to take the lead.

In her winning streak, Korda has never trailed by more than eight strokes after the opening round. The 25-year-old was six back in this one with a slew of players ahead of her heading into the second round at the Upper Montclair Country Club.

Rain was in the forecast the next two days.

“There is still three more days,” said Korda, who had four birdies and a bogey. “You still have a lot of things that you — I know the weather is not supposed to be great and there is just different factors that go into the rest of the tournament. So it’s definitely nice to get a good round in. You know, still a long, long ways away from Sunday.”

Zhang also has to be a concern after needing only 25 putts in posting the best professional round of her career. The two-time NCAA champion from Stanford won New Jersey in her professional debut at the Mizuho Americas Open about a year ago. She has not won since but she played like a champion Thursday, a bogey-free round that included nine birdies.

Zhang had a two-shot lead over Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden, who set the tournament record in 2022. Leona Maguire of Ireland, Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia and Narin An of South Korea were three shots back and one ahead of Lindsey Weaver-Wright and Mel Reid of England.

“It was almost just auto-command kind of golf,” said Zhang, whose has missed two cuts in six starts this year. "I feel like in the last couple weeks it’s been a little bit difficult. I’ve been struggling a little bit with the golf swing and gaining confidence in my preparation.

“But going into this week I kind of let it all go; let the expectations go a little bit more,” she added. “I was able to free myself up a little bit, which was really nice to see some shots go in, especially on the greens. I was able to get some putting momentum in, so it was really nice.”

Korda, who fulfilled a childhood dream by walking on the red carpet at the Met Gala on Monday, played with defending champion Jin Young Ko (72) and 2022 winner Minjee Lee (70). They were followed by about 100 fans, who politely cheered the players. Among the fans were five women wearing black T-shirts with “Everyone Watches Nelly Korda” on the front.

Sagstrom, who finished third two years ago, had six birdies, an eagle and a bogey playing in the first threesome off the back nine. She finished 10th last year.

“This golf course first of all suits my eye really well,” Sagstrom said. “I’ve been playing around with the ball flight a little bit. My coach, Hans (Larsson), is in town. This is the third year he’s here, too. We love the golf course.”

Hannah Green, who has won twice on tour this year, including the JM Eagle Los Angeles Championship in the last tour event, also was at 69 along with Lydia Ko, who needs one more win to make the LPGA Hall of Fame.

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Bridgestone New Releases for 2024

Looking to learn what you need to know about the latest new products from Bridgestone ? These handy thumbnails will keep you up to date on the company's new releases.

Bridgestone Tour B golf balls: Bridgestone’s latest version of its Tour B line of golf balls offers four versions: the X (above), XS, RX and RXS. The X and XS target players with driver speeds faster than 105 miles per hour, and the RX and RXS aim for those swinging slower than that. Each uses what the company refers to as “Reactiv X,” which combines impact modifiers the company refers to as “Reactiv iQ” with a denser mid-layer to alter the performance attributes of each ball.

Bridgestone Tour B Mindset golf balls: Drafting off its recent release of its new Tour B golf balls , Bridgestone takes another step by offering its four models (X, XS, RX and RXS) with Mindset. More than a simple golf-ball ornamentation, Mindset was developed with staff player Jason Day and his long-time mental coach, Jason Goldsmith, homing in on Day’s pre-shot routine and visualization to arrive at the final pattern.

Bridgestone e12 Contact Patriot Pack golf balls: The newest limited edition of Bridgestone's e12 Contact features all the characteristics of the original ball, this time with an American flag stamped opposite the iconic Bridgestone B. Building on a 20-year partnership, Bridgestone is partnering with Tee It Up for the Troops, donating a portion of all proceeds from the new 15-ball pack.

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Nelly Korda Attends Met Gala

Korda goes bogey-free on friday at founders cup to contend for sixth title.

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Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner Nelly Korda attended the Met Gala on Monday evening. Korda was a guest of Casey Wasserman at the annual fashion event and was dressed by Oscar de la Renta.

This year’s Met Gala theme was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” and Korda stepped out in a stunning ankle-length dress with red and green floral embellishments, complimented with elegant silver jewelry and a simple nude heel. It was the 25-year-old’s first time attending the Met Gala.

Korda will be working to collect her sixth straight LPGA Tour victory this week at the Cognizant Founders Cup in Clifton, N.J. She most recently won The Chevron Championship, earning her fifth consecutive win of the 2024 season and second major title in The Woodlands, Texas. The Bradenton, Fla. native is currently No. 1 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings and will be looking to win a second gold medal later this year at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Tune in to watch as the LPGA Tour returns to the New Jersey Turnpike this week for the Cognizant Founders Cup, hosted by Upper Montclair Country Club. The 144-player field competes for a $3 million purse and is highlighted by eight of the Rolex Women’s Golf World Rankings top 10, including World No. 1 Nelly Korda.

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Nelly Korda shoots 69 in Founders, leaving her 6 shots back in bid for 6th LPGA Tour win in a row

Nelly Korda looks after her shot off the 13th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Nelly Korda reacts to her shot on the second green during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Madelene Sagstrom, of Sweden lines up shot on the second hole during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jin Young Ko, of South Korea, hits off the 13th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Minjee Lee, of Australia, hits off the 13th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Minjee Lee, of Australia, reacts after her putt on the 13th hole during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Hannah Green, of Australia, hits off the 16th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Nasa Hataoka, of Japan, hits off the 15th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Brooke Henderson, of Canada, hits off the 15th tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Georgia Hall, of England, lines up a shot on the second green during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Yuna Nishimura, of Japan, gestures after hitting off the second tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Leona Maguire, of Ireland, hits off the sixth tee during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Stephanie Kyriacou, of Australia, chips to the fourth green during the third round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Saturday, April 20, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Narin An, of South Korea, stands on the ninth green during the first round of the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Clifton, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda is going to have some work to do to win a record sixth straight LPGA Tour title, especially the way Rose Zhang is playing.

Korda shot a relatively mistake-free 3-under 69 early in the first round of the Cognizant Founders Cup on Thursday and then could only watch as the 20-year-old Zhang tied tghe tournament record with a 63 in the afternoon to take the lead.

In her winning streak, Korda has never trailed by more than eight strokes after the opening round. The 25-year-old was six back in this one with a slew of players ahead of her heading into the second round at the Upper Montclair Country Club.

Rain was in the forecast the next two days.

“There is still three more days,” said Korda, who had four birdies and a bogey. “You still have a lot of things that you — I know the weather is not supposed to be great and there is just different factors that go into the rest of the tournament. So it’s definitely nice to get a good round in. You know, still a long, long ways away from Sunday.”

Zhang also has to be a concern after needing only 25 putts in posting the best professional round of her career. The two-time NCAA champion from Stanford won New Jersey in her professional debut at the Mizuho Americas Open about a year ago. She has not won since but she played like a champion Thursday, a bogey-free round that included nine birdies.

Zhang had a two-shot lead over Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden, who set the tournament record in 2022. Leona Maguire of Ireland, Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia and Narin An of South Korea were three shots back and one ahead of Lindsey Weaver-Wright and Mel Reid of England.

“It was almost just auto-command kind of golf,” said Zhang, whose has missed two cuts in six starts this year. “I feel like in the last couple weeks it’s been a little bit difficult. I’ve been struggling a little bit with the golf swing and gaining confidence in my preparation.

“But going into this week I kind of let it all go; let the expectations go a little bit more,” she added. “I was able to free myself up a little bit, which was really nice to see some shots go in, especially on the greens. I was able to get some putting momentum in, so it was really nice.”

Korda, who fulfilled a childhood dream by walking on the red carpet at the Met Gala on Monday, played with defending champion Jin Young Ko (72) and 2022 winner Minjee Lee (70). They were followed by about 100 fans, who politely cheered the players. Among the fans were five women wearing black T-shirts with “Everyone Watches Nelly Korda” on the front.

Sagstrom, who finished third two years ago, had six birdies, an eagle and a bogey playing in the first threesome off the back nine. She finished 10th last year.

“This golf course first of all suits my eye really well,” Sagstrom said. “I’ve been playing around with the ball flight a little bit. My coach, Hans (Larsson), is in town. This is the third year he’s here, too. We love the golf course.”

Hannah Green, who has won twice on tour this year, including the JM Eagle Los Angeles Championship in the last tour event, also was at 69 along with Lydia Ko, who needs one more win to make the LPGA Hall of Fame.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Things to Do in Zelenograd, Russia - Zelenograd Attractions

Things to do in zelenograd.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Vedogon Theatre

2. Zelenograd Exhibition Hall

3. Bolshoi Gorodskoi Prud

4. Zelenograd State Historical Local Lore Museum

5. Temple of the Prelate Nikolay Mirlikiysky

6. Bust Alexander Pushkin

7. Chapel of St. Sergius of Radonezh

8. angstrem.

9. Shtyki - Monument to the Defenders of Moscow

10. Viewpoint

11. zelenogradskiy ice dome.

12. Dendropark

13. Recreation Area at the Lower Kamenskiy Pond

14. Park Zeleny Bor

15. flute house.

16. Rubezh 1941 Goda

17. SM Zelenopark

18. Park of the 40th Anniversary of the Victory

19. Memorial Line of Defense

21. Monument to K.S. Rokossovsky

22. Trampoline Club Adult Sport

23. Central Square

24. Time-Club Vmeste

25. Cultural Center Zelenograd

26. orbita ice dome.

27. Ruki VVerkh! Bar

28. Iridium

29. IQquest

30. Planetium

• Zelenograd Exhibition Hall
• Bolshoi Gorodskoi Prud
• Vedogon Theatre
• Zelenograd State Historical Local Lore Museum
• Temple of the Prelate Nikolay Mirlikiysky
• Park of the 40th Anniversary of the Victory
• Park Zeleny Bor
• Zelenogradskiy Ice Dome