Jessica Korda shines at Royal Melbourne, wins her first pro title
American Jessica Korda stunned the spectators on the final day of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, as she won the tournament in a six-player playoff
Korda was thrilled to outplay her rivals on the course, as she did not think she would be able to carve out a victory in such a nerve-racking situation.
Being just 18 years old, Korda bagged plenty of appreciation because the field was quite strong, featuring competent players.
She grabbed the spectators’ attention when she drained a 25-foot birdie putt in the playoff, seizing the victory she thought was almost impossible.
The biggest threat Korda faced was from South Korean So Yeon Ryu, who performed flawlessly in the second round and piled up a considerable lead over the American.
The rising star shared her feelings at the end of the match, saying she was pretty happy with what she did at Royal Melbourne.
In addition to outshining Ryu, Korda also trampled her counterparts Stacy Lewis and Brittany in an amazing style.
She said that she found it hard to focus on her putting on a few holes but she held her nerve and produced scores well enough to take her to the playoff.
Korda performed an average game in the first round, scoring 1-under 72. She reeled off her first birdie on the par-5 2nd hole.
After parring 4 holes in a row, she swung to action once again and drained 2 consecutive birdies on the 4th and 5th holes.
Although the first day was not completely flawless, as she bogeyed two holes, she was satisfied with her performance.
Women’s Australian Open meant more than a victory to Korda, as she has had great memories attached to Melbourne. Her father, tennis star, won the Australian Open in 1998.
Talking to the media after hosting the trophy, she said that she knew she had to give her father a big surprise and remind him of his victory in Australia.
“I was a little higher up and more to the right. I knew the line and I knew the speed. All I had to do was just hit it. It started breaking,” Korda said.
She said that Royal Melbourne always held an appeal and that is why she put her best foot forward to carve out a triumph.
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