via Getty
KAWAGOE, JAPAN – AUGUST 07: Nelly Korda of Team United States celebrates with the gold medal at the victory ceremony after the final round of the Women’s Individual Stroke Play on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 07, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
via Getty
KAWAGOE, JAPAN – AUGUST 07: Nelly Korda of Team United States celebrates with the gold medal at the victory ceremony after the final round of the Women’s Individual Stroke Play on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 07, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship concluded with another piece of history added to the LPGA Tour. Nelly Korda became the first player to win two of the first three starts in a season since 2011. Both records made by Korda in the playoffs remarks as an iconic feat at the 100-year-old historic golf club.
In the last two holes before heading into playoffs, she shot a bogey but rallied with a remarkable 12-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to defeat her opponent Ryann O’Toole. Following this victory, her world ranking ascended, propelling her back to the No.1 position in the world.
She took charge with a well-executed eagle putt that settled within 18 feet on the par-5 14th, whereas O’Toole responded with a clutch 20-foot par putt on the 18th hole, finishing with a score of 66. Despite this turn of events, the match remained engaging. After failing to sink a five-foot par putt on the 15th hole, she bounced back with a birdie on the par-5 16th, only to miss a six-foot par putt on the 17th. Then, again she went long on the 18th but was unable to save that par. It was all “Eagle, bogey, birdie, bogey, bogey. Yeah,” said Korda in a post-match interview.
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Nelly Korda: first player to win 2 of first 3 starts in an @LPGA season since Karrie Webb in 2011
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) March 24, 2024
She has been on a break since the Drive On Championship in Florida in January, where she emerged victorious against Lydia Ko by dropping four shots in three holes on the back nine, only to rally with an eagle-birdie. But even after a seven-week break, nothing changed for Korda and she was able to pull a wonder like this. While the win in itself is a cause of celebration, even Korda’s earnings from her performances this season put up quite an impressive picture.
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How much Nelly Korda has earned this season?
Due to an absence lasting nearly two months, Korda had to skip the Asian Swing, but she has since returned to the greens with impressive results. Despite having participated in only two events since her return to the green, Korda has already accumulated earnings totaling $586,716 this season, highlighting her exceptional performances.
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This remarkable win at FIR SERI PAK HILLS Championship is undoubtedly stands out as a memorable moment for the 25-year-old pro, further solidifying her impact throughout the LPGA Tour. However, as the season is just beginning, numerous challenges lie ahead for the No. 1 golfer. Do you believe she will overcome them all?
Read More: “He’s a Chunker”: Nelly Korda’s Spills Cute Update on Newborn Nephew Greyson
