Tag: Nelly Korda

Scottie Scheffler on a Wild Win Streak in the PGA

Scottie Scheffler is on a hot streak. While he’s not quite doing what Nelly Korda is doing in the LPGA, Scheffler is making a statement among the top golfers in the PGA. By winning 4 of his last 5 starts, Scheffler has positioned himself as the man to beat for 2024 at this point in the season.

The battle for the RBC Heritage plaid jacket saw Scheffler fend off some serious competitors like Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark, even Sahith Theegala who edged up to second place at 16 under. This win allowed Scheffler to earn another $3,600,000 on top of having recently won the Masters Tournament.

What’s next for Scheffler?

Who’s to say? Just like we saw Joel Dahmen say on ‘Full Swing’ via Netflix, “It’s so hard to win a golf tournament.” Let’s not overlook the feat that Scheffler just pulled off.

We got caught up and swept away by watching the drama play out as we saw UConn winning back-to-back NCAA championships during March Madness. That’s a feat that few colleges achieve.

Yet, what Scottie Scheffler is doing in 2024 is phenomenal and shows us how focused a pro golfer has to be to wipe out a slate of golfers hitting at 14 under or beyond. He’s doing that kind of stuff and I’m just trying to stay consistent enough to break 90 again and again.

Korda and Ko Faceoff in Playoff

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
Nelly Korda grabbed her 9th LPGA win Sunday.

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: