This LPGA season has been a bit different for the organization and the players as well. A major part of that difference is Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko, both of whom have played their best golf yet in 2021. While neither of the two is eligible for the Vare Trophy, they are the top two contenders for the Player of the Year award.
To anyone following the LPGA season and female golf, the two stars have certainly set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. While Korda has some things working in her favor, Ko has some things working in hers.
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Comparing Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko’s 2021
Looking at Korda’s 2021, the 23-year-old has won her first major, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. For many, that keeps her one step ahead, as far as wins are concerned. Plus, Korda also bagged the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
On the other hand, Ko has also won four events.
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For the Player of the Year award, Korda is currently at 191 points. Ko is at 181. No other LPGA player is close, and the chase to the title is only between the two of them.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Golf – Women’s Individual – Final – Round 2 – Kasumigaseki Country Club – Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan – August 5, 2021. Nelly Korda of the United States in action. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
They are currently playing at the Tiburon Golf Club – Gold Course, part of a four-way playoff for the CME Group Tour Championship. Celine Boutier and Nasa Hataoka are the other two.
“I’m just out there going to do my job, taking a shot at a time, and see where it takes me,” Korda said about the playoffs.
| Stat | Nelly Korda | Jin Young Ko |
| Average Driving Distance | 275.08 | 258.30 |
| Putting Average | 29.78 | 29.56 |
| Scoring Average | 68.84 | 69.03 |
| Birdies | 272 | 272 |
| Eagles | 10 | 3 |
| Total Events Played | 16 | 18 |
| Official Money List | $2,237,157 | $2,002,161 |
| Majors | 1 | 0 |
Korda’s play has been near perfect, shooting at a 68.85 scoring average. Ko follows close at 69.03.
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Is Jin Young Ko nervous?
Ko, who is leading the LPGA with 12 top ten wins, is feeling a little pressure. When asked about the Player of the Year award, and how she feels about it. “It’s tough to say,” Ko said. “I have to win because she’s playing really well right now”.
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While one might say Korda has an edge right now, 26-year-old Ko is not far away.
Do you think both players have had their best LPGA seasons? Who will win the POY award?
