Nelly Korda wins Mizuho Americas
After her remarkable winning streak came to an end, Nelly Korda swiftly returned to her winning ways, showcasing her exceptional skill once again in Jersey City, New Jersey.
In a thrilling back-nine duel against Australia’s Hannah Green, Nelly Korda secured victory at the Mizuho Americas Open with a par on the 18th hole, clinching her sixth win in seven starts on the LPGA Tour this year.
Wow, six wins,” exclaimed Korda. “It’s hard to believe. I’m still trying to process it all, especially after such a close battle with Hannah throughout the day. It wasn’t my finest performance out there today, but I really dug deep on the back nine.
“It was truly incredible to compete alongside Hannah,” remarked Korda.
Securing this win, the 25-year-old American joins an elite group, becoming only the fourth player in tour history to achieve six victories before June 1, a feat previously accomplished by LPGA Hall of Famers Babe Zaharias (1951), Louise Suggs (1953), and Lorena Ochoa (2008) have also achieved this milestone.
Furthermore, she follows in the footsteps of Inbee Park (2013), marking the first time since Park’s achievement that a player has recorded six wins in a single season.
Mickey Wright set the LPGA record for most wins in a single season in 1963, with 13.
Korda’s 14th career triumph followed closely on the heels of her historic five-tournament winning streak being halted by Rose Zhang at the Cognizant Founders Cup. Unfortunately, Zhang had to withdraw on Thursday after three holes due to an intestinal issue.
Jason McDede
Struggling with a 2-over on the front nine, Nelly Korda received a motivational boost from her caddie, Jason McDede. She then rallied, matching birdies with Hannah Green on the 10th, 13th, and 15th holes at the picturesque Liberty National, keeping them tied for the lead at 14 under. This pairing featured the only two multiple winners on the tour this year.
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Korda, leading by two shots after the third round, carded a final-round 71 to conclude at 14-under 274. Green, aiming for her third victory, posted a 70 for a total of 275.
There’s a unique satisfaction in pushing through when you’re not at your best and still managing to come out on top,” remarked Korda.
Following Korda’s precise drive landing in the fairway on the par-4 No. 18, Green’s drive veered into the left rough. Her second shot towards the green fell short and left, remaining in the rough. Korda then expertly placed her approach shot 15 feet from the hole. Green’s chip over a bunker landed 10 feet in front of the hole, rolling back slightly.
Korda smoothly put to tap-in range and wrapped up her round, while Green’s putt in an attempt to force a playoff narrowly missed the hole.
With a victorious gesture, Korda raised her hands to acknowledge the crowd’s cheers against the backdrop of the stunning New York City skyline and the iconic Statue of Liberty.
Green Expressed New York City
It’s bittersweet to lose to Nelly Korda,” Green expressed. “But then again, it’s Nelly Korda we’re talking about. She’s undeniably dominating right now. Being second to her feels quite rewarding. However, the bogey on the last hole leaves a bit of a sour taste.
Jennifer Kupcho, who was defeated in a playoff by Zhang in last year’s event, ended up tied for third place with rookie Gabriela Ruffels of Australia, as well as Ariya Jutanugarn and Chanettee Wannasaen, both representing Thailand.
Wannasaen delivered an outstanding performance earlier in the day, carding the best round of the day with a superb 7-under 65. Jutanugarn followed with a 70, while Kupcho posted a 71, and Ruffles finished with a 72, securing third place for the second consecutive week.
Betsy King (1989)
With Ayaka Furue of Japan and Kupcho sharing the lead halfway through the final nine holes, Nelly Korda and Green elevated the competition, establishing a two-player showdown by consistently matching each other’s birdies and pulling ahead with a four-shot lead over the rest of the field. Furue concluded among a sizable group, finishing at nine under.
Since 1980, Nelly Korda joins a select group of players who have achieved six victories in a single year, including Betsy King (1989), Annika Sorenstam (1997, 2003), Karrie Webb (1999, 2000), Lorena Ochoa (2006, 2008), Inbee Park, Beth Daniel (1990), and Yani Tseng (2011).
Nelly Korda’s win brought her a $450,000 prize, boosting her career earnings to $11,880,981 and her season earnings to $2,943,708.
After the ongoing event, the tour will pause for a week before making its way to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the highly anticipated U.S. Women’s Open. Nelly Korda, driven by a long-standing aspiration, is determined to secure this title that has eluded her thus far.
“It’s certainly one of my top priorities,” she commented.”I’ve learned that adding pressure only hinders performance. I’ll stay focused and take each shot as it comes during that week.”
