Nelly Korda reclaimed her spot at the summit of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings in a thrilling manner. She clinched victory at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship in a sudden-death playoff, besting American Ryann O’Toole with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
The journey to victory was a rollercoaster for Korda, who secured her 10th LPGA triumph and second of the season. Korda’s earlier win came in January at the LPGA Drive On Championship against Lydia Ko, marking her return from a hiatus.
Reflecting on her performance, Korda shared, “It’s definitely not easy coming back after a long break like that, not really knowing where your game is. I fought really hard the last three days. The weekend was brutal, and today was tough. That’s the beauty of the game. It’s fun to play in these conditions and be a little bit more artistic out here.”
Sunday’s conditions at Palos Verdes Golf Club in Southern California were less than favorable, with gusty winds and chilly temperatures posing challenges throughout the day.
Korda’s final round was marked by fluctuations, evident in her tally of only seven pars alongside five birdies, five bogeys, and a crucial eagle on the 14th hole. The pressure didn’t fully set in until she sunk the eagle putt, altering her focus momentarily and leading to mistakes in the closing holes.
Despite the late stumble, Korda had an opportunity to clinch victory outright in regulation play. However, an errant shot on the 18th green resulted in a challenging recovery, leading to a bogey.
Before heading into the playoff, Korda found solace in a conversation with her coach, allowing her to regain composure. Her subsequent precision with the approach shot on the playoff hole demonstrated her resolve, culminating in a decisive putt for victory.
With this victory, Korda has claimed the top spot in the world rankings, highlighting her as a compelling presence in women’s golf. Her talent and resilience in engaging audiences signify encouraging prospects for the sport’s expansion.
Jack Milko, a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through, provides comprehensive golf coverage. Follow him on Twitter @jack_milko and check out @_PlayingThrough for more insights into the game.
