From the get-go, Ko was locked in. Reflecting on her game, she said, "I played really solid on the first day and just kept giving myself a lot of good opportunities. Even though there are some tougher holes out here at TPC River's Bend, I felt really comfortable." That confidence paid off big-time as she worked her way through the final round, turning potential pressure into an unforgettable performance.
Ko’s breakthrough moment came after the turn when she capitalized on Thitikul’s stumble. Thitikul had just surged ahead with an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole, creating a two-stroke gap between herself and Ko. But golf, as always, had other plans. After bogeying No. 9, Thitikul left the door wide open for Ko, and she did not hesitate to walk through it. Ko's steady hand on the front-9 kept her in contention, and she soon began her assault on the leaderboard.
What really set the stage was Ko’s back-to-back dominance on the 10th and 11th holes. First, she birdied No. 10, bringing her within striking distance. Then came a jaw-dropping eagle on the par-5 11th hole. At the same time, Thitikul could only muster tap-in pars, watching as Ko snatched a two-stroke lead right from under her nose. From that point forward, Ko maintained control, riding a wave of precision and cool-headedness all the way to the winner’s circle.
For golf fans, this victory wasn’t just another feather in Ko's cap. It marked her first back-to-back LPGA Tour wins since 2016, having also triumphed at the AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews in August. Add in her earlier win this year at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, and it’s clear Ko is having one of the finest seasons of her career. In fact, this is the fifth time she's won at least three events in a single year. "It's been surreal," Ko said of her recent success. "Never in a million years would I have guessed that I now would've gotten into the Hall of Fame through winning the gold in Paris and then winning my first major since 2016."
While Ko basked in the glory of victory, her competitor Thitikul wasn’t going down without a fight. The Thai sensation sunk a long birdie putt on the par-3 12th hole, pulling within a stroke of the lead. For a brief moment, it seemed the battle was still on. But Ko had already built too much momentum. Over the next few holes, she pulled away with a relentless string of five birdies and an eagle over a 10-hole stretch.
By the time Ko stepped up to the 17th green, she was in complete control of the tournament. A seven-foot par putt on that hole all but sealed the deal, giving her the cushion she needed heading into the challenging par-5 18th. Cool and collected, Ko hit the green in regulation, and moments later, she wrapped things up with her seventh birdie of the day. Walking down the final fairway, Ko was all smiles, her confidence evident as the celebration of another career milestone began.
Ko’s victory wasn’t just about personal accolades, though. It solidified her place among the LPGA’s all-time greats, putting her one step closer to cementing her legacy. The fact that she’s won multiple times this year, and is now in the LPGA Hall of Fame, shows that she’s operating at a level that few golfers ever reach. The journey from Olympic gold medalist to major champion once again proves that Ko has the heart of a champion and the game to match it.
Yet, while Ko was the talk of the tournament, World No. 1 Nelly Korda gave fans plenty to cheer about as well. Korda’s tournament may not have ended with a victory, but her strong finish certainly left an impression. The large crowds at TPC River’s Bend were treated to a display of her incredible ball-striking and putting, especially on the back-9.
Korda didn’t have the most consistent tournament, but she showed grit and determination throughout. After struggling with rounds of 70 and 69 on Friday and Saturday, respectively, Korda found her groove on Sunday. A surge of three consecutive birdies down the stretch helped her move up six spots on the leaderboard, ultimately tying her for fifth place. While it wasn’t the win she was hoping for, Korda left the tournament with her head held high. "It was an interesting week, for sure. I don't think I had my best stuff, but I played some solid golf here and there," Korda said after her round. "Overall, I'm happy with the way I played coming off last week and my energy levels."
For Korda, this week’s performance showcased her resilience. Despite not being in top form, she still managed to secure a top-5 finish, which is a testament to her skill and determination. Fans who followed her throughout the tournament could see that her game is never far from peak form, even on an off day.
As the Kroger Queen City Championship drew to a close, there was no shortage of excitement. From Lydia Ko’s masterful performance to Nelly Korda’s late-round charge, the tournament was packed with drama, heart, and plenty of world-class golf. For Ko, it was a victory that further cemented her place in LPGA history, while for Korda, it was a reminder that even the best have to grind sometimes. Both players put on a show for the fans, and the result was a weekend of golf that will be remembered for some time.
In the end, Ko’s words about never taking anything for granted rang true: "You could win by ten strokes and still never feel like it was an easy round. I just want to give it my all." And give her all she did.
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