Nelly Korda's heart must have skipped a beat as her final putt on the 18th hole took an eternity to drop, but the American's patience was rewarded with a thrilling one-shot victory at the US Women's Open, and a rather nice $2.5m cheque to boot.
What Happened
Korda's two-under 69 in the final round was enough to see off the challenge of England's Charley Hull and Mexico's Gaby Lopez, who both finished one shot adrift. The crucial moment came on the 18th green, where Korda's second putt from just over 2ft caught the edge of the hole and took an agonising tour of the cup before finally dropping in – a moment that will have left Hull and Lopez wondering what could have been.
The Bigger Picture
This victory marks Korda's fourth major title, and her second in consecutive events – a feat that showcases her growing dominance on the women's golf scene. The fact that she had to navigate a final-round leaderboard that included major winners like Hull and Lopez only adds to the impressiveness of her achievement. It's also worth noting that Korda's win comes on the back of a strong run of form, which has seen her rise to the top of the women's golf rankings.
The Autopsy
Let's be honest, Charley Hull will be kicking herself for not taking advantage of Korda's near-miss on the 18th. The Englishwoman has been in excellent form of late, but this defeat will be a tough pill to swallow – especially given that she had the momentum going into the final round. As for Korda, her ability to hold her nerve under pressure is a testament to her growing experience and maturity as a player. It's also worth questioning the decision-making of Lopez, who opted for a more conservative approach on the back nine, only to see Korda seize the initiative.
What Happens Next
With this win, Korda cements her position as the woman to beat in women's golf – and we're backing her to make it three majors in a row at the upcoming British Open. Don't bet against her, because when it comes to clutch performances, Nelly Korda is the real deal – and she's got the $2.5m to prove it.