KPMG Women’s PGA: Korda, Ko & Key Storylines
Nelly Korda‘s quest for a win, Jeeno Thitikul‘s chase for the No.1 ranking, and Lydia Ko‘s legacy highlight the key storylines at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Anticipate challenging conditions as the PGA Frisco course hosts the event. Korda seeks to break her winless streak this season amid rising competition, while Thitikul aims to leverage her strong form to claim the top spot. Lydia Ko looks to further cement her legacy nearing Annika Sorenstam’s career earnings.Stay informed with News Directory 3, as we bring you the essential insights. Discover what’s next in the world of women’s golf.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Key Storylines
The KPMG Women’s PGA championship, the last major in the U.S. this season, is set to begin in Frisco, Texas. Following this week, the major circuit heads to Europe with the Amundi Evian Championship in France (July 10-13) and the AIG Women’s Open in Wales (July 31-Aug. 3).
Nelly Korda’s Quest for a Win
World No.1 Nelly Korda, who had a dominant 2024 with seven wins, including a major at the Chevron Championship, is still seeking her first victory this season. Despite consistent top-10 finishes, including a recent tie for second at the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda aims to break her winless streak at the Women’s PGA Championship.
“It’s golf,” korda said, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the sport. “The competition is getting better every year.”
Korda’s performance at the U.S.Women’s Open highlighted her strengths off the tee and on approach,but putting proved to be a challenge. She remains persistent, stating, “I hate making mistakes; obviously, I love winning… that’s the reason why I play this game.”
Jeeno Thitikul Chasing world No. 1 Ranking
Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked No. 2, has already secured wins on both the Ladies european Tour and the LPGA Tour this year. A victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship coudl propel her closer to the top spot. Thitikul, the 2022 LPGA Rookie of the Year, briefly held the No. 1 ranking that season.
“Never thought I was going to reach No. 1 in the world when I was 19,” Thitikul said. “But now No.2 in the world, I still feel the same how I put the work [in].”
Thitikul leads the LPGA in strokes gained: total (2.70) and is second in scoring average (69.1). She emphasizes consistency, aiming to “just make the cut” in every major.
PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch East Hosts
This year marks the first time the Women’s PGA Championship is being held at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. The course previously hosted the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, the course is also slated to host future Women’s PGA Championships (2025, 2031) and Men’s PGA Championships (2027, 2034).
Lydia Ko noted the course conditions are weather-dependent, stating, “I feel like this kind of golf course, it’s dictated a lot by what time of the year you play.”
Players anticipate challenging conditions with potential heat and wind. Korda commented on the difficulty of holding the greens, especially on downwind holes.
Lydia Ko’s Legacy and Annika Sorenstam’s Shadow
Lydia Ko, a 23-time LPGA Tour winner and Hall of Famer, is within reach of surpassing annika Sorenstam’s career earnings. Sorenstam, with 72 wins and approximately $22.6 million in earnings, retired in 2008. Ko has earned about $20.8 million as turning pro in 2013.
“In [a way],it’s unfair because she’s won 70-something times,” Ko said,acknowledging Sorenstam’s unparalleled achievements. “I’m proud of my 23,and I’m hoping to have a few more by the time I’m done. We are just playing in a very different era.”
Maja Stark’s Emotional win
Maja Stark, fresh off her U.S. Women’s open victory, took time to reflect on her achievement. She admitted to shedding tears not after her own win, but after witnessing J.J. Spaun’s emotional U.S.open victory.
“I cried after J.J. spaun won because I was so excited for him,” Stark said, moved by Spaun’s journey and his family’s reaction.