World number one Nelly Korda continued her stellar year by securing her sixth win on the LPGA Tour with a victory at the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National on Sunday.
Korda battled Australian Hannah Green throughout the final round in Jersey City, but Green's bogey on the last hole sealed Korda's one-stroke victory. Despite a challenging front nine with three bogeys and a birdie, Korda recovered with birdies on the 10th, 13th, and 15th holes. On the final hole, Green's tee shot landed in the rough, while Korda safely hit the fairway. Green's second shot ended near the greenside bunker, and she left herself a 15-foot putt after reaching the green. Korda narrowly missed a birdie putt, leaving Green a chance to force a playoff, which she missed by making bogey.
Reflecting on her victory, Korda said, "Oh my gosh, six, I mean, I just can't even really gather myself now after that head-to-head that Hannah and I had pretty much all day. It wasn't my best stuff out there today but fought really hard on the back nine."
Korda added, "I feel like you never have your A-game throughout an entire tournament. You kind of have to grind through it even with your B, C, and D game. I definitely felt like I had my C and D game today. Didn't really play that well. Just told myself that even though I was 2-over, I still had opportunities on the back nine to take the lead or to battle with Hannah because she was playing solid golf."
Korda's achievement makes her the first player since Park In-bee in 2013 to win six times in a single season and the first American to do so since Beth Daniel won seven titles in 1990. She matched Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez for the all-time record win streak of five consecutive victories when she won last month's Chevron Championship.
Her victory streak began with January's Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida. She then took a break before winning three consecutive tournaments in March and April, including the Seri Pak and Ford Championships and the Match Play tournament.
Hannah Green, who won the LA Championship last month, remained positive despite the loss. "I mean, to lose to Nelly, it's sad, but then it's also Nelly Korda. You know, like she's obviously so dominant right now. To feel like second behind her is quite nice," she said. "Unfortunately the bogey on the last has a little bit of a sour taste, but I still competed out there when I didn't really think I was in it at all."
The Thai duo of Chanettee Wannasaen and Ariya Jutanugarn, along with American Jennifer Kupcho and Australian Gabriela Ruffels, all tied for third, four strokes behind Korda.
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