Jersey City, NJ — Nelly Korda bounced back from her halted winning streak in classic form — by clinching another victory.
In a gripping back-nine duel, Nelly Korda secured the Mizuho Americas Open title by a single stroke over Hannah Green of Australia on Sunday, marking her sixth triumph in seven LPGA Tour appearances this year.
Reflecting on her achievement, Korda expressed her disbelief, saying, “Oh, my gosh, six. I can’t even really gather myself right now with that, the head-to-head battle with Hannah pretty much all day. Wasn’t my best performance out there today, but fought really hard on the back nine.” She added, “It was just amazing to share the stage with Hannah.”
This victory propels the 25-year-old American into elite company, making her only the fourth player on the tour to tally six wins before June 1, joining the likes of LPGA Hall of Famers Babe Zaharias (1951), Louise Suggs (1953), and Lorena Ochoa (2008). Additionally, she becomes the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to achieve six wins in a single season.
The record for most wins in a season on the LPGA Tour stands at 13, held by Mickey Wright in 1963.
Korda’s 14th career victory comes on the heels of her record-tying five-tournament winning streak being halted by Rose Zhang at the Cognizant Founders Cup. Zhang withdrew on Thursday after three holes due to an intestinal issue. After struggling on the front nine, Korda received a motivational push from caddie Jason McDede, leading to a series of birdies on the back nine to maintain a tie for the lead with Green at 14 under.
The pairing showcased the tour’s only two multiple winners this year. Korda, who led by two shots after the third round, finished with a final-round 71, ending at 14-under 274. Green, vying for her third win, carded a 70, finishing at 275.
Reflecting on the grind of the game, Korda said, “I mean, there is something special about the grind of not having your best stuff and then still mentally being able to pull it off.”
On the decisive 18th hole, Korda’s drive found the fairway while Green’s landed in the left rough. Despite a valiant effort, Green’s chip fell short, sealing Korda’s victory. With hands raised, Korda soaked in the applause from the crowd against the backdrop of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Green graciously acknowledged Korda’s dominance, saying, “I mean, to lose to Nelly kind of like is — 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. Unfortunately, the bogey on the last has a little bit of a sour taste.”
Behind the leaders, Jennifer Kupcho, who lost in a playoff with Zhang last year, finished tied for third with rookie Gabriela Ruffels of Australia and Ariya Jutanugarn and Chanettee Wannasaen, both from Thailand.
Looking ahead, the tour heads to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the U.S. Women’s Open after a week off. While Korda dreams of clinching the title, she remains focused on taking it one shot at a time, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.
With her eyes set on further achievements, perhaps victory number seven is just around the corner for Korda.
