LPGA TOUR
Nelly Korda Overcomes Lydia Ko at the LPGA Drive On Championship
America’s Nelly Korda emerged victorious at the LPGA Drive On Championship after a thrilling playoff against New Zealand’s Lydia Ko. The enthralling playoff contest capped off a dramatic final day filled with twists and turns. Korda, aged 25, began the day with a four-shot lead over Ko, Megan Khang, and Ayaka Furue. However, Korda's journey to the title proved to be anything but straightforward. The former world No. 1 made a spectacular eagle-birdie finish at the final two holes of regulation play to force the contest to extra holes with Ko.
Seven holes into the final round, Korda found herself in a tie for the lead with her compatriot and friend, Megan Khang. As Korda grappled to maintain her lead, the pressure intensified, resulting in bogeys at the 14th and a double-bogey at the 15th, causing her to slip into a tie at nine-under. Ko seized the opportunity to achieve back-to-back victories after claiming the HGV Tournament of Champions last week. The 26-year-old secured an impressive three-shot lead with an eagle on the 17th hole, while Korda posted another bogey at the 16th hole. Seemingly the title was in Ko’s hands.
However, Korda, known for her resilience, refused to concede defeat. After executing a remarkable eagle on the 17th, Korda followed it with a stunning approach on the 18th, setting up a birdie and a playoff between two of the world's top golfers.
The playoff unfolded with both players making it to the green on the first extra hole. Despite Ko's exceptional short game, Korda had a chance to clinch victory with a birdie putt, but the ball refused to drop, prolonging the suspense and leading to a return to the 18th hole.
On the second playoff hole, both contenders reached the green, and after average putts, it seemed a third playoff hole was imminent. However, Ko's par putt missed the mark, opening the door for Korda to secure her ninth LPGA Tour win and her first victory in 14 months since the 2022 Pelican Women's Championship.
Korda carded a final round 2-over 73 to reach 11-under. Ko scored a 2-under 69 also for an 11-under total. Khang finished in solo third place after her final round 1-over 72 left her at 8-under.
Robyn Choi was the best-placed Australian finishing in a tie for 16th place at 2-under.
Final Scores
1. Nelly Korda -11
2. Lydia Ko -11
3. Megan Khang -8
T4. Lucy Li -7
T4. Ayaka Furue -7
Australians
T16. Robyn Choi -2
MC. Grace Kim
MC. Gabriela Ruffels
MC. Sarah Kemp
Image credit: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
