Nelly Korda Claims Third Annika Title After Strong Back-Nine Performance

Nelly Korda previously won the Annika title in both 2021 and 2022. The Annika, Florida – final leaderboard: -14 N Korda (US); -11 C Hull (Eng), J-H Im (Kor), W Zhang (Chn); -10 L Grant (Sco), R Zhang (US) Selected others: -8 C Boutier (Fra), -6 L Ko (NZ), +2 G Hall (Eng), +4 G Dryburgh (Sco) A full leaderboard was also available. American golfer Nelly Korda overtook England’s Charley Hull on the back nine to secure her third LPGA Annika title. The world number one began the final day one shot behind Hull, who had held the lead since Thursday’s opening round at the event, which is named in honor of Sweden’s 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam. However, Korda achieved five consecutive birdies starting from the 11th hole, moving two strokes ahead of her competitor with three holes remaining at Pelican Golf Club in Florida. The 26-year-old maintained her composure, parring the final three holes to conclude with a round of 67, achieving a total score of 14 under par. Hull, who had been pursuing back-to-back titles, dropped a shot on the 17th hole, which resulted in her falling out of contention. She finished with a round of 71, sharing second place at 11 under alongside China’s Weiwei Zhang and Korea’s Jin Hee Im. This victory marked Korda’s seventh title of the year, following a period of absence since September due to a neck problem. Despite a slow start that included three bogeys on her front nine, Korda’s subsequent birdie run proved insurmountable for her rivals. Korda commented on her return, stating, “After taking time off for an injury it feels great to be back. You should have felt the nerves I was feeling on the back nine.” She further added, “There’s nothing like being in the hunt. There’s nothing like the adrenaline feeling on the back nine and being in contention and I love it so much.”