Nelly Korda recorded a pair of eagles in a terrific round on Sunday to win the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship by three strokes, recording her second consecutive victory and her first major title. With the win, Korda will move from No. 3 to No. 1 in the world, becoming the first American to hold the title since Stacy Lewis in 2014.
“I had a great week last week and I think I carried the momentum into this week,” said Korda. “I’ve put in a lot of work, and to finally get three wins under my belt this year, and to get a major championship, I don’t even have words, honestly.”
Korda shot a 4-under 68 at the Highlands Course in Johns Creek, Ga., finishing the tournament at 19 under one week after claiming victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic. Lizette Salas finished second at 16 under.
Last year, at age 31, Lizette Salas found herself in a dark place and thought she’d had enough of professional golf. The game was doing more to her than it was for her and retirement looked like her best option. Runner-up to Nelly Korda this weekend was a victory in many ways. “I didn’t think I could get out of that deep hole (last year),” she said. “I think I’m back.”
Korda said about Salas, “She played great, and there’s nothing I could have done differently to change her game plan, and that says a lot about her, I’m just lucky she’s on the American side for that Solheim Cup.”
The KPMG Women’s PGA title was Korda’s seventh career win since she debuted on LPGA Tour in 2017. In addition to three wins this year, she’s had a second and two thirds. She is no longer the best women’s player in the world without a major after her victory this weekend.