WATCH – Jessica Korda Channels Her Inner Kobe Bryant at the Lotte Championship

There are some things that just don’t lose their value despite standing the test of time. Likewise, people yelling the word ‘Kobe,’ in honor of the late Kobe Bryant after making a successful shot is a tradition that will never fade away. But it doesn’t pertain just to basketball. Ask LPGA professional Jessica Korda and she’ll tell you why! 

Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived. During the span of his 20-year NBA career, Bryant earned a lot of respect from athletes across different sports. All that reverence for his name exists because Bryant always gave his 100% as a competitor. 

That would be the mindset of every professional athlete. But Bryant’s success inspired a lot of athletes to follow in his footsteps, and LPGA professional Jessica Korda is one of them. The 28-year-old uttered the famous “KOBE” phrase after a phenomenal shot at the Lotte Championship.

Jessica Korda pays tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Lotte Championship

Jessica Korda is one of the more experienced campaigners on the LPGA tour. She was a part of the field at the Lotte Championship that took place in Oahu, Hawaii from April 14-17. 

Korda began Round 1 at Kapolei Golf Club on the back nine and began with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole. However, the American sent golf fans into a frenzy at the par-5 17th.

Korda made two accurate shots and was 25 yards away from the hole as she approached her eagle attempt on the 17th. A beautiful chip sent the ball straight into the hole which resembled how basketball players dunk the ball into the basket.

28-year-old Korda flexed her hands in joy and yelled “KOBE,” after converting the 25-yard chip. The eagle also helped Jessica Korda gain places on the leaderboard. 

Korda eventually finished Round 1 with a score of 5-under 67 and was tied for seventh place. However, a 2-under 70 in Round 2 pushed Jessica Korda all the way to the 20th spot on the leaderboard where she’s tied with 14 other players. 

The Kobe moment was indeed inspirational and emotional for various reasons. It embodied the phrase, “Gone, but not forgotten,” as people still continue to honor the Los Angeles Lakers legend after his tragic demise. 

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