19th Hole
LPGA star Jin Young Ko is on a greens-in-regulation streak that defies belief
Two weeks ago, we highlighted how the race to the LPGA titles, both the Rolex rankings winner plus Player Of The Year were too close to call with Jin Young Ko and Nelly Korda clear at the top but with the width of a hair between them.
Things got even tighter as the 23-year-old Floridian won a play-off for the Pelican Women’s Championship, meaning the two had split eight LPGA tournaments between them, and it was all down to the final event, the CME Group Tour Championship.
After three rounds, the pair could not be split and, whilst nothing is taken away from the other joint-leaders Celine Boutier and Nasa Hataoka, this is what LPGA fans were hoping to see – the Big Two fighting down the stretch.
There was only one winner, and she did so in record-breaking style.
Despite not being able to practise pre-tournament due to a wrist issue, the 26-year-old South Korean posted some impressive stats throughout her final 63 holes.
24 birdies since the 10th on Thursday – one-shot runner-up Hataoka also posted 24, whilst Korda hit 18 and an eagle – the undisputed world number one achieved this off a remarkable 63 consecutive greens-in-regulation (!?), a record that has never been close to that and may never do so again, or at least for a very long time.
Put into context, Justin Ray tweeted that Tiger Woods best-recorded figure was 29 greens and that the longest in PGA history was Mike Heinen with 50+ back in 1995.
The embrace by Korda was surely tinged with disappointment, but if you are going to come undisputed second, do it to a player that in her last ten starts has five wins, a second. two six-place finishes and a ninth.
More from the 19th Hole
- How Danielle Kang instantly added 20-30 yards of distance off the tee with one change
- Symetra pro opens up on the harsh financial realities of life on Tour
- Why Nelly Korda has hired a new swing coach despite season of dominance
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19th Hole
54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV
After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.
Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.
After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.
“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”
“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.
OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv#OWGR#OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024
The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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19th Hole
Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open
As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.
Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.
If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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19th Hole
Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.
- RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers
One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:
“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.
Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”
And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
- otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech. He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly. Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy. He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for. There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind. World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
- konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.
Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”
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