By: Max Bechtoldt
2023 saw some big names struggle on the LPGA Tour as new names thrived in the spotlight. Which of those stars could bounce back for a strong 2024 season? Here are the five names I see getting back to the level of play we are accustomed to seeing:
5. Lizette Salas – Salas hasn’t played in a tournament since July while dealing with a back injury, and there is still some question of when we will see her. If she is on the course though, she’s a consistent player with a game that always travels. She hits the ball as straight as anyone and putts well, even if her distance is low, she can always compete.
4. Jennifer Kupcho – Kupcho didn’t have a terrible 2023, but it wasn’t up to her 2022 standards where she won her first major and three tournaments overall. Kupcho didn’t miss a lot of cuts, but had just one top-five finish. I could see a bounce back with at least one win and some more high finishes in 2024.
3. Lydia Ko – After her dominant 2022 season, Ko had one of the worst years of her somewhat inconsistent career. For the first ten months of the year Ko had only one top-10 finish and it was in the season-opening event. Her season swung up at the end of the year though, with three top-11 finishes including a win at the Grant Thornton Invitational. That late season charge and her past dominance gives me faith in Ko performing better.
2. Nelly Korda – Korda finished 14th in the CME Standings last year, which for 99% of the tour would not be an issue. Korda has high standards after her 2021 which was one of the best modern seasons an LPGA player has had. After dealing with injuries the last two season, Korda seems healthy and ready to retake her spot as one of the best players on Tour.
1. Lexi Thompson – I am very optimistic for Lexi Thompson in 2024. After a disastrous start to 2023, she recovered with a strong performance in the Solheim Cup, a solid performance on the PGA Tour and three top-10 finishes to end the season. I expect Thompson to find the winner’s circle once again this year for the first time since 2019.
