Nelly Korda wins in Michigan for 2nd victory of year
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Nelly Korda became the first two-time winner on the LPGA Tour this season, closing with a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a two-stroke victory in the Meijer LPGA Classic.
The Gainbridge LPGA winner in February, Korda finished at 25-under 263 to break the tournament record at Blythefield Country Club. She shot a career-best 62 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead into the final round.
"Actually, really enjoyed today," Korda said. "Honestly, there has been times where on Sundays I really like haven’t enjoyed it, like the stress kind of ate me and I didn’t stay in the moment and enjoy playing golf on a Sunday in a final group.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
"But today I really enjoyed it and it was actually a really good battle between Leona and I. She definitely kept me on my toes."
The 22-year-old American, ranked No. 4 in the world, won her fifth tour title. She rebounded after missing the cut two weeks ago in the U.S. Women's Open.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"If you told me at the U.S. Open that I was going to shoot 25 under I would be like, `Yeah, right.’" Korda said. "But I did a good bit of work back home. My dad was at every practice, a little boot camp with my dad."
She won the Gainbridge LPGA in Florida in the second event of the year after sister Jessica took the season-opening tournament. Younger brother Sebastian won tennis’ Emilia-Romagna Open in Italy in May for his first ATP Tour victory.
Leona Maguire of Ireland was second after a 66.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I knew it was going to be a battle," Maguire said. "I knew I had a lot of golf in front of me and she had a three-shot head start."
Korda eagled the par-5 14th and had six birdies and three bogeys. She pushed her lead to two strokes with the eagle and increased it to three with a birdie on the par-3 15th. Maguire pulled within one on the par-4 16th when she made a birdie and Korda had a bogey. They both parred the par-4 17th and Korda birdied the par-5 18th.
"I made an eagle and then I made a pretty good birdie on that par 3," Korda said. "Unfortunately, I three-putted the next hole, but that’s golf. You’re going to make mistakes."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The major KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is next week at Atlanta Athletic Club.
"This week is going to be huge heading into a major," Maguire said. "I knew I was playing some great golf. It’s a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season."
In Gee Chun shot a 63 to tied for third with Brittany Altomare (64) at 21 under. Anna Nordqvist followed at 20 under after a 66.