Nelly Korda matches LPGA record with victory in Texas

Wednesday, 24 April 2024 00:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nelly Korda

Nelly Korda equalled an LPGA record by winning her fifth tournament in a row as she claimed the first women’s major of the year at the Chevron Championship.

The American, 25, started the final round one shot behind Ryu Hae-ran.

Her three-under 69 on a gusty day in Texas saw her finish on 13 under to win her second major by two shots.

Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sorenstam (2004-05) are the only other players to have won five consecutive LPGA events.

World number one Korda finished in style too, with a birdie on the last hole, and said: “That felt like the longest back nine of my entire life.

“It was a little bit of a grind on the back nine, but I’m happy to get the win.

“I was definitely starting to feel it on the back nine, just the nerves setting in. It’s a major. It’s everything that I’ve always wanted as a little girl, to lift that major trophy.

“As I said, I can finally breathe now and just enjoy the moment because I was definitely really nervous. I feel sick to my stomach.”

A late surge from Sweden’s Maja Stark helped her finish second on 11 under, while American Lauren Coughlin - who shot the best round of the day with a four-under 68 - ending joint third on 10 under alongside Canada’s Brooke Henderson.

Ryu’s round of 74 meant she finished fifth. English trio Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and Lottie Woad – who won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur earlier this month – all ended the tournament with a share of 23rd place, on one under.

Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow was a shot further back.