Nelly Korda Claims Victory in LPGA Opener After Final Round Cancellation
Nelly Korda achieved a significant victory at the LPGA season-opening Tournament of Champions, marking her first win in 14 months. The tournament, held at Lake Nona in Orlando, was shortened to 54 holes due to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and low temperatures.
Nelly Korda’s Performance
Korda secured her win after completing a remarkable third-round score of 8-under-par 64. This performance was notably nine shots better than the average score under challenging conditions, with winds reaching 40 mph. Korda stated that this round ranked among the best three she has ever played.
Tournament Cancellation
- The LPGA canceled the final round after evaluating the conditions.
- Central Florida temperatures dipped below freezing, making the ground brittle.
- The decision followed an incident where a player’s ball was blown off the green.
Korda finished the tournament with a total score of 13-under 203, earning her 16th professional victory. Despite her win being confirmed, she stayed focused on her game during the delay.
Runner-Up Results
In the third round, Amy Yang was positioned 10-under with two holes left to play. She needed a birdie to compete for the title but ended her round with two pars, finishing in second place after carding a 69. Brooke Henderson, who scored a 66 in the third round, rounded out the top three.
Weather Impact on the Tournament
Orlando typically enjoys mild weather, but an unexpected cold front affected the tournament schedule. The LPGA postponed the start of the final round multiple times before ultimately calling off the event.
- The celebrity portion of the tournament continued, scaled down to nine holes.
- Former tennis player Mardy Fish triumphed in the celebrity event.
Looking ahead, Korda plans to take a six-week break, opting to skip the entire Asia swing of the LPGA Tour. The decision reflects her desire to prepare thoroughly for upcoming challenges.
