Many golfers would be content to retire with four LPGA Tour titles.
Nelly Korda has amassed that haul in just over two months.
Korda won four of the first seven holes at Leopard Creek and wrapped up victory with three holes left to play to claim her 12th LPGA Tour victory and extend her winning streak.
Not since Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa in 2008 has a player tallied four consecutive victories on the Tour.
Only one American had ever previously won four of their first five LPGA Tour starts to a season: the most prolific champion in the history of the women’s game, 88-time LPGA Tour winner Kathy Whitworth.
“Kathy’s really good friend actually texted me last week a photo of me being compared to Kathy on social media,” Korda revealed.
“She was always so, so nice, so getting compared to Kathy Whitworth is a huge honor.” Korda’s run began with triumph at the LPGA Drive On Championship in January.
After a seven-week break, she made a winning return at the Seri Pak Championship in March before taking victory at the inaugural Ford Championship earlier this month.
If a golfer were to win four LPGA Tour championships, many would be happy to retire. In little more than two months, Nelly Korda has accumulated that amount.
The world number one in America. 1 defeated Ireland’s Leona Maguire in the championship match in Las Vegas on Sunday to win her fourth straight event on the circuit.
With three holes remaining, Korda sealed the deal to win her 12th LPGA Tour title and continue her winning run at Leopard Creek, having won four of the previous seven holes there.
No player on the Tour has won four straight afterward since Lorena Ochoa of Mexico in 2008. Since Nancy Lopez shot five consecutive holes in 1978—a record she shared with fellow World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam of Sweden—no American had shot more than a hat-trick.
Later this month, if Korda wins her second major championship at the Chevron Championship, she could tie the record set by the two at the biggest stage—she is still only 25 years old.
“To be honest, I’m having trouble comprehending it,” Korda said to reporters on Sunday.
“The past three weeks have flown by so quickly. I feel as though I was always in high gear. I’m not sure if this will catch up with me when I get home, but right now, I feel amazing. “.
Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by illustrious company. The most successful winner in women’s golf history, Kathy Whitworth, an 88-time LPGA Tour winner, was the only American to have ever won four of their opening five LPGA Tour starts in a season.
Korda disclosed, “Last week, Kathy’s very close friend texted me a picture of myself being compared to Kathy on social media.”.
“I replied to her that I consider it an honor to be with her. Growing up, I played in her tournament, The Kathy Whitworth Invitational in Texas, and getting to meet and speak with her was always the high point of my year.
It’s quite an honor to be compared to Kathy Whitworth because she was always so sweet. “.
Korda’s success at the LPGA Drive On Championship in January marked the start of his run. She won the first-ever Ford Championship earlier this month after making a successful comeback at the Seri Pak Championship in March, following a seven-week hiatus.
The winner of the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship will take a week off before aiming for a five-hole score on April 17 at the Chevron Championship in The Woodlands, Texas.
I simply adore participating in competitions. I adore playing golf. With any luck, I’m inspiring the next generation,” Korda continued.
“Being here with the girls, competing, and going head-to-head for a title is the greatest thrill I could ever have.”. Nothing compares to this feeling. “.
