By: Max Bechtoldt
Nelly Korda won her second consecutive start on the LPGA Tour at the FIR HILLS Seri Pak Championship in a playoff against Ryann O’Toole.
Not only was this Korda’s second win in a row, but it was also her second consecutive playoff victory, following her dramatic win over Lydia Ko in Bradenton. Korda did have seven weeks between the victories after not playing the Asian swing, but knocked off all her rust after the +1 opening round.
Korda didn’t start the theatrics until the back nine, when a clutch putt fell on hole 12 for birdie. Korda then eagled the par 5 hole 14 to blow the tournament wide open with a three-stroke lead.
Then the struggles set in. She proceeded to bogey 15, birdie 16, bogey 17 and bogey 18. Following an incredible up-and-down for par from the bunker on 18 for O’Toole, the playoff was set between the two Americans.
Despite both missing the fairway off the tee, each of them hit shots into 15 feet for birdie. While O’Toole hit a great putt, it rolled just out, opening the door for Korda. One she slammed shut, hitting a no-doubter putt to win.
It was Korda’s tenth-career victory. Since the start of 2020, Korda is second on the LPGA in victories with seven, two behind Jin Young Ko.
Korda also returned to the top spot in the Rolex Rankings, where she has spent more time than any American golfer in history.
