By: Max Bechtoldt
In the third edition of the ranking of LPGA events this season, we reach two of the signature tournaments on tour, each won by a superstar. Take a look at the breakdown of No. 6 and 5 on the list here:
6. The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions – What a terrific way to kick off the LPGA Tour season in the Orlando area. Played at Lake Nona, a fantastic course to watch on TV, the home-course hero Lydia Ko won her 20th event on the LPGA Tour. The future Hall of Famer came to within one win of clinching her spot in that exclusive club with a two-stroke victory over rising star Alexa Pano. What made this win even more satisfying to watch was seeing Ko bounce back from a mostly weak 2023 season for her first win since late-2022. Though this tournament wasn’t exactly the thrilling finish that some other events were, sometimes it is a good thing to see a star like Ko dominate. Ko never gave up her lead from Friday and cruised into the win, four shots clear of Brooke Henderson in third place.
5. The Chevron Championship – The 2024 Chevron Championship will likely be remembered more for its historical relevance than the actual quality of the play. Nelly Korda won her fifth tournament in a row and second career major in Houston on a pretty chaotic week. A Saturday weather delay pushed the conclusion of the round into Sunday morning, where the players were in wet and cold conditions. Brooke Henderson’s electric third round brought her into contention, setting up a battle between Korda, Henderson and 2023 Rookie of the Year Haeran Ryu. Korda seized control early on Sunday because of the struggles of Henderson and Ryu. On hole 10, it seemed Korda may run away with it after an incredible chip in for birdie. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as she bogeyed 11 and hit into the water on the difficult 15th hole. Through the struggles, she entered the reachable par 5 18 with a lead, and clinched the victory with a tap-in birdie. The historical significance here boosts this tournament up.
