Nelly Korda once again affirmed her status as one of the most dominant figures in women's golf, securing a commanding victory at the Riviera Maya Open in Mayakoba, Mexico. This marks her third win of the young season and comes just a week after her triumph at The Chevron Championship, where Korda also displayed exceptional play. However, despite her undeniable superiority, golf delivered a small but memorable lesson to the American superstar just before she lifted the trophy.
For 60 consecutive holes, Nelly Korda played flawlessly, notching not a single bogey. This impressive streak highlighted her incredible precision and control over the ball, which she demonstrated throughout the El Camaleon course. She started the final round with a comfortable three-shot lead, which extended to seven by the final hole, making her victory absolutely undeniable.
The climax of the tournament for Korda came on the 18th hole. With a massive advantage, she seemed able to afford to relax. However, her drive went right, deep into the tropical bushes, and the ball was never found. Forced to play a provisional ball, Korda sent it into a bunker, then another shot into the gallery. Ultimately, a 20-foot putt resulted in a bogey – only her second of the entire tournament. Despite this minor misstep, she still finished with a score of 17-under-par 271, four strokes ahead of her closest competitor.
After completing the round, Nelly Korda, laughing at her mishap on the final hole, commented: "On the last hole here I was humbled by golf. I had a pretty smooth day and on the last hole just kind of like humbles you a little bit. You put in the work. Everyone out here puts in the work. Sometimes it works out." This statement perfectly illustrates the unpredictability and demanding nature of golf, even for players of the highest caliber.
This victory marks Korda's 18th career win on the LPGA Tour. At 27 years old, she has become the youngest American to achieve this many titles since Nancy Lopez, who claimed her 18th title in 1980 at the age of 23. Furthermore, Nelly Korda is the first female golfer since Annika Sorenstam in 2001 to finish six season starts with results no worse than second place.
The tournament took place in hot conditions, and organizers even moved up tee times to avoid thunderstorms approaching from the Caribbean Sea. Korda admitted to feeling tired but emphasized her enjoyment of the competition: "I'm just enjoying myself and I love the competition. I love traveling to places like Mexico, all over the world. I'm just having fun."
Thai golfer Arpichaya Yubol finished second with a score of 70 on her 24th birthday. Yu Liu from China finished third. Nelly Korda, in turn, decided to take a break and will skip the Mizuho Americas Open next week to recharge after two consecutive victories.
