Bradenton, Florida, provided the perfect backdrop for a battle that took the most recent LPGA tournament down to the wire.
What was at stake?
- Lydia Ko was looking to finish up January with back-to-back victories and qualifications for entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
- Nelly Korda was looking to win her 9th LPGA title before a hometown crowd at Bradenton Country Club
It was an intense weekend for an entire slate of top LPGA players. Korda maintained a steady lead with consistent play, while Ko and other contenders remained on the hunt for the top spot on the leaderboard.
That was about the story until Korda had multiple errors on a three-hole stretch going into the 17th hole. It cost her four strokes. Meanwhile, Ko powered her way into further contention as Megan Khang struggled to remain in the hunt and Korda dropped strokes.
That led to a playoff between Korda and Ko, requiring both players to replay the 18th hole.
Playoff Hole 1
Playoff hole #1 was totally dramatic. Korda missed a birdie putt. Ko worked her magic for an up-and-down par save. This forced a second playoff hole.
Playoff Hole 2
While Korda ended up long on the 18th hole this time, Ko ended up on the green. Victory appeared to be in line for Ko until her par putt lipped out. That left Korda enough room to bury her par putt and claim the victory.
Why All of the Hype Over LPGA Golf?
Top-ranked players don’t always deliver on their potential. Winning a golf tournament requires either steady or stellar play on the course over an entire weekend. Unlike many of their male counterparts, LPGA players are scrambling for less prize money and fewer endorsement deals.
The LPGA is currently in good hands. I say that with all kinds of confidence.
I’ve been a fan of Lydia Ko for a while, especially after the way that she finished off last season. Korda is one my favorites, too. And Brooke Henderson is bound to rebound and show us her stuff on the course once again.
Given the degree of play demonstrated in the final round at Bradenton Country Club on Sunday, we’re seeing golf greatness on display. As the Race to the CME Globe continues, Ko still holds the top spot with Nelly Korda the next closest player ranked at number 2. Sunday gave us a faceoff of the top 2 contenders for the season’s ultimate prize.
Other coverage of the Korda-Ko Playoff:
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