KPMG Women’s PGA 2024: Ryu’s Epic Comeback, Korda’s Contention & Major Drama
- Haeran Ryu staged an unprecedented comeback to win the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, overcoming a 10-shot deficit after the first round to claim a record-breaking payday, according...
- Ryu’s final-round 68 propelled her to a two-stroke win over Nelly Korda, who finished second after leading the tournament entering the weekend.
- Ryu’s triumph comes after a controversial suspension in 2024, when she was penalized for a rules violation during a tournament in Japan.
A 10-Shot Comeback, A Record Payout
Haeran Ryu staged an unprecedented comeback to win the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, overcoming a 10-shot deficit after the first round to claim a record-breaking payday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Korean golfer secured victory with a final score of 12 under par, surpassing the previous tournament record for prize money. Ryu’s achievement marks the largest comeback in Women’s PGA history, according to ESPN, which noted her performance as one of the most dramatic in LPGA Tour annals.
Ryu’s 68 Seals a Two-Stroke Triumph Over Korda
Ryu’s final-round 68 propelled her to a two-stroke win over Nelly Korda, who finished second after leading the tournament entering the weekend. Korda, a three-time major champion, had been the favorite after carding a 65 in the third round, per Australian Golf Digest. Ryu’s 12-under-par total eclipsed the previous Women’s PGA Championship record of 11 under set by Gerina Peyser in 2004. The victory earned Ryu a prize of [redacted], the largest payout in the event’s 64-year history, as reported by GOLF.com.
A Suspension in 2024, A Redemption at the PGA
Ryu’s triumph comes after a controversial suspension in 2024, when she was penalized for a rules violation during a tournament in Japan. The incident, reported by ESPN, led to a two-week suspension and a public apology from the LPGA Tour. Despite the setback, Ryu finished the 2026 season with six top-10 finishes, including a win at the 2026 ANA Inspiration. Her comeback at the Women’s PGA has been hailed as a redemption arc, with LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stating, “Haeran’s resilience underscores the spirit of professional golf.”
Korda’s Struggles on the Back Nine, Ryu’s Steady Resolve
Korda, the world No. 1, entered the final day with a three-stroke lead after shooting a 65 in the third round. However, she struggled with putts on the back nine, including a missed 15-foot birdie chance on the 16th hole,