Korda Wins GreatLIFE Challenge, road to the LPGA

Nelly Korda has just moved from 27th place to 11th after her win in Sioux Falls at the GreatLIFE Challenge on Sunday September 5 at Willow Run Golf Course.

Korda, from Bradenton Flroida, shot a final round 66 leading to a three shot victory. This is her first win in her professional career on the Volvik Race for the Card Money List with five events remaining on the Symetra Tour schedule.

I don’t even have words.  Having my first professional win out here is just amazing. The atmosphere today was just amazing. I could not have asked for a better day and a better week.

Korda started her day with birdies on three of her first five holes to jump into a share of the lead. The highlight of the birdie run was a chip-in from 25 feet on the par-4 third.

With the chip in it was kind of an awkward stance.  It was downwind and downhill and it was a very delicate shot and I just told myself ‘you’ve had this putt a couple of times you know how it turns – just execute it. Pick your target, hit it and move on.’ I was just going for a par and then it rolled in. it was definitely a big boost.

The 18-year-old walked to the tee on the 18th with a four shot lead and victory in sight, but didn’t let it sink in until she made the walk to the green on the 72^nd hole.

I think once I hit my approach shot into the green I got a little bit emotional walking up but I told myself come home safe, make this par and then you can celebrate after.

 

Korda receives the $31,500 first place check and hopes to join her sister Jessica on the LPGA Tour.

Wicahnee Meechai finished second at 11-under par and jumped from 11^th to fourth on the Volvik Race for the Card Money List, while Ally McDonald and Madelene Sagstrom finished tied for third at 9-under.

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