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Debate

Is Lydia Ko's legendary playoff win still the most thrilling moment in CME Group Tour history?

The LPGA Tour 2024 season is nearing its climax, with the CME Group Tour Championship set to conclude the year’s competition. This prestigious event, now in its 10th anniversary, promises to deliver thrilling action as the world’s top golfers gather at Tiburón Golf Club. The championship has consistently showcased exceptional talent, with past winners showcasing their skill and determination.

As the final tournament approaches, all eyes are on the contenders, each seeking to cap off their year with a championship victory. The CME Group Tour Championship has a history of producing dramatic finishes, and this 10th-anniversary edition promises to be no exception. With its lucrative purse and coveted title on the line, the world’s best golfers will give it their all in a thrilling conclusion to the LPGA Tour season.

Amy Yang’s 2023 triumph

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As the golf world reflects on the CME Group Tour Championship’s incredible journey, it’s clear that the LPGA has come a long way since its humble beginnings. From its debut in 2011 with a $1.5 million purse to today’s staggering $11 million total prize, the tournament has undergone a transformation that has left everyone in awe. Amy Yang’s 2023 victory remains an unforgettable moment, where she clinched her first LPGA win with style, shooting a 6-under 66 and claiming the $2 million prize. Yang’s sentiments still resonate: “Everyone out here dedicates their life to this game, and we love this game… I’m just so happy for it, and I’m hoping it continues to get bigger each year.” As the LPGA celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that its growth is more than just about the money – it’s about the passion, dedication, and love for the game that unites all its players and fans.

Lydia Ko’s victory at the CME Group Tour Championship

The CME Group Tour Championship has a rich history of showcasing exceptional talent, and one notable moment came when a 17-year-old golf sensation, Lydia Ko claimed her first victory at the prestigious event. Entering the final round three shots behind, the young golfer produced a stunning bogey-free 68 to force a playoff. She then demonstrated remarkable composure, making par on four consecutive trips down the 18th hole during the playoff, ultimately defeating Julieta Granada and Carlota Ciganda.

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This thrilling win marked the beginning of an illustrious career, with the champion taking home a staggering $1 million prize. Overcome with emotion, she exclaimed, “When I saw that $1 million in the box, I was like, ‘Wow, I wonder who the winner of that will be?’ It’s amazing. I’ve never seen that much cash in one place before. This year has been awesome.” This victory set the stage for a remarkable journey, cementing her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the golfing world.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Lydia Ko's legendary playoff win still the most thrilling moment in CME Group Tour history?

Have an interesting take?

Nelly Korda’s epic shot at the CME Group Tour Championship 2023

Nelly Korda’s incredible journey took a thrilling turn on November 18, 2023, when she scored her first ace on the LPGA Tour at the CME Group Tour Championship. With a precision 9-iron shot, she nailed a 148-yard hole-in-one on the par-3 8th hole, sending the crowd into raptures of applause and earning a celebratory high-five with her caddie. Remarkably, this achievement marked her second hole-in-one, 14 years after her first at just 11 years old, when she impressively used a 7-iron while playing golf with her father in Orlando. Making it even sweeter, Korda’s feat triggered a $20,000 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the CME Group Cares Challenge – a truly unforgettable moment in her illustrious career.

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Jin Young Ko’s record-breaking victory

Jin Young Ko made history at the CME Group Tour Championship, overcoming a wrist injury to clinch her 12th career victory and fifth of the season, tying the tournament scoring record at -23 with a stunning 63. This achievement secured her second Rolex Player of the Year award, a feat no other Korean player has achieved twice. Ko’s remarkable season included five wins, surpassing her previous best, and a scoring average of 68.774. Despite struggling with injury, she dominated Tiburon Golf Club, hitting 63 straight greens in regulation and recording only one bogey over her last 63 holes played, with 24 birdies in that stretch.

Flashback to 2018: Lexi Thompson’s thrilling victory

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Who can forget the thrill of Lexi Thompson winning the 2018 CME Group Tour Championship? It was a moment that etched itself in the memories of golf fans everywhere. Thompson’s exceptional play culminated in a final-round 70, securing her title by four strokes over Nelly Korda with an impressive 18-under 270. As she lifted the trophy, Thompson’s emotions shone through, “It’s very gratifying… growing up in Florida, this is such a special event for me.” Meanwhile, Ariya Jutanugarn was making history of her own, clinching the Race to the CME Globe and the $1 million bonus, plus the Vare Trophy for her remarkable 69.415 scoring average.

With the season finale already under progress at the Tiburon Golf Club, who do you think will make history this year? Let us know in the comment section below!

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