Nelly Korda's remarkable performance at the T-Mobile Match Play event at Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas, Nevada, has solidified her status as a dominant force on the LPGA Tour. Korda's victory over Leona Maguire with a score of 4 and 3 marked her fourth consecutive win, a feat not achieved on the tour in 16 years.
The world's number one ranked player, Korda, is now on track to potentially tie the record for five consecutive wins, a record currently held by Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam. This impressive streak comes after Korda took a seven-week break following her win in January, making this victory her third straight in a scheduled event.
Korda's win also places her in elite company as the first American since Kathy Whitworth in 1969 to secure four victories in her first five starts of a season. Reflecting on her recent success, Korda expressed her disbelief at the whirlwind of the past few weeks and her constant state of focus and determination.
The match against Maguire saw Korda take an early lead by winning four of the first seven holes, ultimately securing a 4-up advantage. Despite Maguire's competitive spirit and brief comeback with wins on the 13th and 14th holes, Korda maintained her composure and closed out the match with a par on the 15th hole.
The tournament format underwent a significant change this year, transitioning to three days of stroke play followed by match play on the weekend. This adjustment, along with the event's move to early April, attracted a strong field of competitors, including Maguire who excelled during the stroke play rounds.
Korda's journey to victory was not without its challenges, as she had to battle through the initial rounds to secure her spot in the match play. Her resilience and skill were on full display at the demanding Shadow Creek course, where she navigated the course's complexities with precision and determination.
Reflecting on her experience at Shadow Creek, Korda praised the course's design and level of difficulty, emphasizing the satisfaction and frustration that come with playing such a challenging layout.
Overall, Nelly Korda's historic achievement at the T-Mobile Match Play event cements her status as a dominant force in women's golf and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Source: AP golf
