Nelly Korda triumphed at the Annika tournament on Sunday, securing her seventh LPGA title of the season and 15th career win. The World No. 1 shot a three-under par 67 to seal the victory by three strokes at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. This win marked a strong return for Korda, who had been sidelined by a neck injury last month, and it showcased her resilience as she finished the back nine with five consecutive birdies.
The 26-year-old American expressed her excitement about being back on the course after her time off. She noted the thrill of being in contention, particularly on the back nine, where the adrenaline of the competition fueled her performance. Korda's victory added to her impressive season, marking her third win in this event, following victories in 2021 and 2022.
Korda’s dominant performance in the final round led her to a three-stroke lead over a group of players tied for second, including South Korea’s Im Jin-hee, China’s Zhang Weiwei, and England’s Charley Hull. Sweden’s Linn Grant and American Rose Zhang finished tied for fifth. This victory not only bolstered her season totals but also placed her among elite company, as she became the first player since Taiwan’s Yani Tseng in 2011 to win seven LPGA titles in a year.
With her seventh title, Korda joined an exclusive group of American players, becoming the first since Beth Daniel in 1990 to achieve this feat. Her win at the Annika tournament added to a trophy collection that began in January and includes several high-profile titles. Despite a challenging start to the tournament with a bogey on the second hole, Korda’s late surge highlighted her skill and determination. With her neck injury behind her, she is now a strong favorite for the upcoming season-ending Tour Championship.
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