Ko Jin-young defended her title and won her 14th LPGA Tour victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, becoming the first player to secure back-to-back wins in the tournament’s history. The South Korean finished 17-under and two shots ahead of Nelly Korda, who finished with a closing birdie to card 69.
A Cathartic Return to the Winner’s Circle
The win marked a cathartic return to the winner’s circle for Ko, who struggled with a persistent wrist injury since the second half of 2022. It was an emotional moment for Ko as tears flowed as soon as she tapped home her closing putt for par.
Ko Creates History with Back-to-Back Wins and Record Breaking
In her previous victory at the 2022 HSBC Women’s World Championship, Ko created history by sealing her sixth tournament victory in her last ten starts and breaking Annika Sörenstam’s 16-year-old record of 14 consecutive rounds in the 60s. This year, Ko made history again by securing back-to-back wins in the tournament.
Difficult Circumstances for Ko
Ko returned to Sentosa Golf Club under different circumstances this year after a tough year in 2022. She missed cuts at back-to-back events, took a seven-week break to treat her left wrist injury, and had to withdraw from a comeback at the BMW Ladies Championship. She arrived at the CME Group Tour Championship in November 2022 as the world No. 4, and every swing hurt.
Korda’s Strong Showing and Some Mistakes
Ko took a two-shot lead over Nelly Korda heading into the final round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Korda cut the gap to one with three straight birdies, but subsequent bogeys at the 7th and 13th holes allowed Ko to take a three-stroke cushion into the final three holes. Heavy rain delayed proceedings for close to an hour, but Ko held her nerve and returned to sink three consecutive pars to win by two shots.
Korda wrapped up with a birdie on the final hole to post a 69, marking her fourth consecutive round in the 60s. However, she regretted the missed opportunities resulting from her avoidable errors that could have led to a victory.
Ko’s Description of the Win
Ko described the win as the most important of her career, considering the tough year she had in 2022 and the mental and physical challenges she faced. She took a two-shot lead over Korda heading into the final round after opening with an even par 72 and roaring back with back-to-back 65s.
Ko said that after the delay due to heavy rain, she rested in the dining area and saw the TV and the scoreboard, realizing that she had a three-shot lead with two more holes to play. She then played safe and made par, but she described the 17th and 18th holes as challenging.
Ko’s back-to-back wins at the HSBC Women’s World Championship were historic and emotional, given the difficult circumstances she faced last year. Korda’s strong showing and some mistakes highlighted the importance of mental toughness in golf. The tournament was a thrilling showcase of some of the best talent in women’s golf, and it is sure to inspire young golfers around the world.
