Nelly Korda emerged victorious at her hometown LPGA Drive On Championship, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Lydia Ko in a thrilling playoff. The win not only brought Korda her ninth LPGA Tour title but also delayed Ko's entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame. The riveting duel between the two golfers captivated the crowd at the Bradenton Country Club on Sunday.
After enduring blustery conditions with winds gusting up to 30 mph in the previous rounds, the final day saw a calmer atmosphere on the course. Korda began the day with a comfortable four-stroke lead over Ko but found herself facing a three-stroke deficit heading into the final stretch.
Showing nerves of steel, Korda showcased her tenacity with an eagle-birdie finish on the 17th and 18th holes. This impressive recovery allowed her to catch up to Ko and force a playoff. Reflecting on the dramatic turn of events, Korda admitted, 'I seem to always make it very dramatic and interesting. So, there is no better feeling than to do it in front of a home crowd. What a day!'
Ko, who had won the season-opening Tournament of Champions the previous week, played remarkably well throughout the tournament. Her determined performance helped her secure a spot in the playoff. Disappointed but understanding, Ko acknowledged, 'It's kind of like, 'What can you do?' We played our hearts out until the very end, and we put ourselves into the playoff. I tried my best out there.'
The playoff began on the 18th hole, where Korda narrowly missed a birdie opportunity, while Ko managed to save par with a clutch putt. The second playoff hole turned out to be the decider, as Korda's chip shot set up a short par putt that she confidently sank. Meanwhile, Ko's birdie attempt came up short, leading to a three-putt and ultimately sealing Korda's victory.
Reflecting on her triumph, Korda mentioned the struggles she faced throughout the past year: 'Every win has a story. This one was definitely — just with the struggles of last year and just with today as well, I thought I completely lost it.' Despite the challenges, Korda found herself hoisting the winner's trophy and savoring the joy of a hard-fought victory.
The supportive home crowd played a significant role in Korda's triumph. She acknowledged the positive energy they provided, saying, 'I think even when I was down, they were so, so positive and keeping me in it. It was such a grind out there, so back and forth. I felt like I never really got anything going. I just can't even believe it right now.'
Megan Khang secured a solid third-place finish at 8-under par after a 72 on the final day. Young talents Lucy Li and Ayaka Furue finished tied for fourth at 7-under par, showcasing their potential in the competitive world of professional golf.
With this victory, Nelly Korda adds another chapter to her golfing career, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport's brightest stars. As the LPGA Tour progresses through the season, golf enthusiasts can anticipate more exhilarating battles and captivating performances on the greens.
