Nelly Korda Secures Home Victory at LPGA Drive On Championship
Bradenton, Florida – Local favorite Nelly Korda emerged triumphant at the LPGA Drive On Championship held in her hometown, capping off an incredible weekend of golf with a sensational eagle-birdie finish. The American golfer overcame a three-stroke deficit to force a playoff against former World No. 1 Lydia Ko.
In a nail-biting showdown, Korda showcased her nerves of steel as she defeated Ko on the second hole of the playoff with a crucial par putt on the 18th hole. Her victory was further solidified by Ko’s unfortunate missed 5-foot putt that would have extended the playoff.
It was an exhilarating moment for Korda as she described her win as “dramatic and interesting,” celebrating with an enthusiastic home crowd. This triumph added another milestone to her already impressive career, bringing her LPGA Tour victory tally to nine.
Ko, who had won the Tournament of Champions just a week prior, fell short of making it into the prestigious LPGA Hall of Fame. Despite the disappointment, she showcased her exceptional skills throughout the tournament, putting Korda to the test in a thrilling head-to-head battle.
Throughout the competition, Korda maintained a steady lead over Ko, shooting a 2-over 73 to tie at 11-under 273. Despite dropping four strokes in a challenging three-hole stretch, she rallied back with an eagle and a birdie to stay in contention.
Reflecting on her remarkable comeback, Korda admitted that she had initially believed the tournament was lost before her eagle on the 17th hole. This turn of events proved to be a turning point, leading her to a playoff where both Korda and Ko missed birdie putts during the first hole.
In the end, Korda’s determination earned her the championship title. Despite going long in the second playoff hole, she utilized her exceptional chipping skills to set up the winning putt, capturing the victory as well as leading wire-to-wire for the first time in her career.
Behind the leading duo, Megan Khang secured a commendable third-place finish at 8-under, followed closely by Lucy Li and Ayaka Furue at 7-under.
Korda’s outstanding performance at the LPGA Drive On Championship not only solidified her position in the world of golf but also marked her first win since the prestigious 2022 Pelican Women’s Championship. As the local hero, she made her hometown proud, and her fans are eagerly anticipating her future successes on the tour.
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