Nelly Korda’s Near-Miss at the Women’s PGA Championship: A Detailed Review

On Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club, Nelly Korda moved to within three strokes of the lead early in the final round of the Women’s PGA Championship. A birdie on the 10th hole briefly raised her prospects, but soft greens after a three-and-a-half-hour weather delay and an unsteady putter contributed to a 1-over 73, leaving her tied for eighth, seven shots behind champion Ha-ran Ryu. Korda’s second shot on the 16th hole struck water from the right edge of the fairway, resulting in a penalty stroke and a two-putt par. The 16th, a signature lakeside hole, had also produced a double-bogey for her in both the first and fourth rounds.

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• Ha-ran Ryu finished at 13-under 275, the winning score.

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• Brooke Henderson and Dewi Weber tied for third at 10-under.

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• Three Americans—Allisen Corpuz, Auston Kim and Alison Lee—tied for fifth, six strokes behind Ryu.

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• Korda recorded five three-putts during the tournament, a sharp increase from the three or fewer she had in any other event this season.

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• This was only the second of nine official stroke-play events this year in which Korda did not finish first or second.

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Three weeks earlier, Korda captured her first U.S. Women’s Open title, fueling heightened fan interest. A win at the Women’s PGA Championship would have placed her among the only women—Inbee Park (2013) and Babe Zaharias (1950)—to claim the first three majors of a season. At 27, Korda also remains one tournament away from a career grand slam, which would be secured by winning either the Evian Championship or the Women’s British Open next month.

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Under the LPGA Hall of Fame points system, Korda needs two additional points to qualify. One more major victory or two regular-tour wins would meet the requirement. The upcoming Evian Championship and Women’s British Open therefore represent both a chance to complete the career grand slam and to secure Hall of Fame eligibility.

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• “I was just trying to take it a shot at a time, really.” — Nelly Korda, LPGA player

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• “I didn’t know where the leaders were at, so I was just trying to focus on myself.” — Nelly Korda, LPGA player

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• “You guys made that such a big thing. I didn’t think about that, no.” — Nelly Korda, LPGA player

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• “I was just kind of disappointed in the way that I played this week, not that I came up short really.” — Nelly Korda, LPGA player

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• “Just chill for a few days, and then practice.” — Nelly Korda, LPGA player

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Korda’s performance illustrates the fine margins that separate a historic triple-major sweep from a modest top-ten finish. Her ability to draw large crowds and media attention continues to raise the profile of women’s golf, while the pursuit of a career grand slam and Hall of Fame entry adds narrative weight to the remainder of the season.

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Following the championship, Korda plans a brief rest before traveling to Europe. The Evian Championship and Women’s British Open, scheduled for the coming month, will determine whether she can add another major, complete the career grand slam, and secure the Hall of Fame points needed for entry.

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