Nelly Korda’s extraordinary prowess in golf continues to mesmerize fans globally, cementing her status as one of the premier athletes in the sport.
Her latest triumph came at the Ford Championship on Sunday, where she clinched her third consecutive LPGA victory of 2024. Displaying remarkable skill and composure, the World No. 1 delivered a flawless performance, carding a superb 7-under 65 to secure victory by a margin of two strokes, surpassing formidable competitors in the final round.
Indeed, 2024 has emerged as the year of Korda, a sentiment echoed by the golfer herself. Reflecting on her unprecedented achievement of clinching three consecutive titles, she confessed, “It honestly feels like a blur. I’m taking it day by day—trying to stay very present…As boring as it sounds, I was taking it shot by shot and seeing where I was going to end up—to get three in a row, that’s just a dream come true.”
Her remarkable feat places her in elite company, becoming the first player since Yani Tseng in 2012 to capture three victories before April 1. Moreover, Korda’s triumph marks a historic milestone for American golf, as she becomes the first American since JoAnne Carner in 1980 to achieve such a feat, a testament to her unparalleled skill and determination.
Despite the historical significance of her performances, Korda remains focused on the present, emphasizing her approach of taking each tournament as it comes. “Honestly, after last year, I was thinking about the first one in Bradenton, and last week, after what all happened coming down the stretch, and this week, I was a little bit more relaxed because I was just trying to stay energized out there,” she shared. “It’s very hard mentally to be 100% after a win, especially playing in tough conditions.”
The accolades continue to pour in for Korda, who becomes the first player since Ariya Jutanugarn in 2016 to clinch three consecutive starts, according to the LPGA.
Demonstrating her prowess on the crucial moving day, Korda entered the final round trailing by two shots. Undeterred by the pressure, she showcased her mastery of the course, steadily building momentum throughout the day.
Though it took her a few holes to find her rhythm, Korda’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. With three birdies on the front nine, she turned in an impressive 33 strokes, setting the stage for a remarkable finish.
Her dominance continued on the back nine, where she capitalized on every opportunity, notching four birdies in her final seven holes, including a crucial one on the 18th to secure a two-shot lead.
As the tension mounted, Korda’s competitors faltered, unable to match her impeccable performance. Ultimately, her stellar play proved insurmountable, clinching victory with a score of 20-under.
Looking ahead, Korda sets her sights on her next challenge, the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards event at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. With her unparalleled form and unwavering determination, the question remains: Could she extend her remarkable streak to four consecutive wins?
