Nelly Korda, the current world No. 1 in women’s golf, has achieved her 11th career title by securing her third consecutive LPGA victory at the Ford Championship, which took place at the Seville Golf and Country Club in Arizona. Despite challenging weather conditions, the 25-year-old delivered an impeccable performance, shooting a flawless seven-under-par 65 to secure victory with a two-shot lead over Australian newcomer Hira Naveed.
Despite trailing by two shots at the start of the final day, Korda expressed confidence in her comfortable victory, stating, “I think it was definitely one of my least stressful wins today. I played really solid golf.” She attributed her success to minimizing mistakes and effectively capitalizing on her strong shots and putts amidst the tough conditions.
Korda’s recent triumph follows her earlier victory at the LPGA Drive On Championship in January, following a seven-week hiatus. She continued her winning streak by claiming the Seri Pak Championship in California on March 24, leading up to the Ford Championship. Her remarkable achievement makes her the first woman to secure three consecutive victories since 2016, and the first American since Nancy Lopez in 1978 to accomplish this feat. Additionally, Korda becomes the first player to win three LPGA Tour titles before April 1 since Yani Tseng in 2009, and the first American since JoAnne Carner in 1980.
Reflecting on her incredible form, Korda expressed her enjoyment in playing golf and credited her recent success to a much-needed reset. “I’m just really enjoying myself out there,” she stated, emphasizing her love for the sport and the resilience she displayed following a challenging year marked by injuries. Her time off allowed her to reconnect with family and enjoy a much-needed break from the demands of professional golf, setting the stage for her recent dominating performances.
In the final moments of the competition, Korda sealed her victory with two crucial birdies in the last three holes, maintaining her composure till the end. Despite her exceptional display, she commended her competitor, Naveed, for her impressive performance in only her third LPGA Tour start. Naveed, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Korda’s excellence and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete alongside her, vowing to learn from the experience and continue to grow as a player.
Nelly Korda’s outstanding performance at the Ford Championship has solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s golf. Her remarkable journey to the top serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in achieving success in the world of professional sports.