The heart of the LPGA Tour schedule is upon us, with three major championships slated over the next six weeks. This stretch kicks off with the KPMG Women`s PGA Championship, set to begin Thursday at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in Texas.
Amy Yang of South Korea is the reigning champion of this event.
This championship marks the final major held in the U.S. this season. Following Frisco, the tour heads to France for the Amundi Evian Championship from July 10-13, and then to Wales for the AIG Women`s Open from July 31 to August 3.
Here are some of the key narratives unfolding this week in Frisco:
Can Nelly end her winless streak?
Just a year ago, world No. 1 Nelly Korda had already claimed six victories heading into the KPMG Women`s PGA Championship, including her second major title at the Chevron Championship. She wrapped up 2024 with a total of seven wins after securing first place at The Annika in November.
However, this season, she is still seeking her initial triumph. Despite not winning, her performance hasn`t been poor, with four top-10 finishes in nine starts and a tie for second place at last month`s U.S. Women`s Open held at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
“Yeah, it`s golf,” Korda commented. “Every year unfolds so differently. Last year, coming into this event, I had six wins. I believe even Hannah Green had multiple victories under her belt too before this tournament.”
“That`s just how golf is. You have to ride the momentum, and the competition is constantly improving each year. To win once, or even twice, is truly commendable.”
Remarkably, there hasn`t been a repeat winner across the 15 LPGA Tour events this season. Both Mao Siago from Japan and Maja Stark of Sweden secured their first major titles at the Chevron Championship and U.S. Women`s Open, respectively.
Korda remained a strong contender in the U.S. Women`s Open until the closing moments, finishing 5-under 283, just two strokes behind Stark. Korda led the field in strokes gained off the tee (+1.82) and was fifth in approach shots (+1.67), but she ranked 52nd in putting (-.42).
“I think it just fuels your hunger,” Korda stated. “Personally, I dislike making errors, and naturally, I love winning. You don`t win often, but there`s nothing quite like being in contention, so I believe that`s what drives me to return, work harder, and put myself in that position.”
“Ultimately, I did manage to put myself in that position. I was still in contention, experiencing the adrenaline rush on the 18th hole, striving to win a major championship. That`s the very reason I play this game, and I cherish it so much.”
Thitikul eyes world No. 1 spot
While Korda is still searching for her first win this season, world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul has already secured victories on both the Ladies European Tour (PIF Saudi Ladies International on Feb. 15) and the LPGA Tour (Mizuho Americas Open on May 11).
The 22-year-old aims to capture her maiden major championship this week. A victory for Thitikul would bring her even closer to surpassing Korda for the world No. 1 ranking. Thitikul, a native of Thailand, was the 2022 LPGA Rookie of the Year and briefly held the top spot in the world rankings that same season.
Her best performance in a major was a solo fourth place at the 2022 KPMG Women`s PGA Championship held at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
“I never imagined I would reach No. 1 in the world when I was 19,” Thitikul shared. “But now, being No. 2, I feel the same dedication to my work because I feel that regardless of my ranking, my job remains constant.”
Thitikul, who resides in the Dallas area, currently leads the LPGA in strokes gained total (2.70) and is second in scoring average (69.1).
She has achieved six top-10 finishes in her 10 starts this season and missed only one cut, which significantly contributes to her leading the LPGA`s season-long points standings.
“In every major, honestly, I just hope to make the cut,” Thitikul admitted. “It would be truly wonderful to win it, and I can certainly say that winning a major is everyone`s dream. As for what I`ve accomplished so far, I`m quite content. If I can get it, that would be fantastic, but if not, I won`t have any regrets.”
New venue for Women`s PGA Championship
This week marks the first time the world`s leading women golfers will compete at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, one of two courses located at the new headquarters of the PGA of America.
The course previously hosted the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in May 2023, where Steve Stricker defeated Padraig Harrington in a playoff, carding a winning 72-hole total of 18-under 270.
Designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, the course is set to host the Women`s PGA Championship again in 2025 and 2031, alongside the men`s PGA Championship in 2027 and 2034.
“I feel like this type of golf course is heavily influenced by the time of year you play it,” noted three-time major champion Lydia Ko. “It`s not particularly firm and fast yet, and there might be some rain in the forecast. So, I anticipate the course will play considerably longer than perhaps how the senior men played it a couple years ago.”
Following Thursday`s opening round, the weather forecast suggests hot and dry conditions with highs in the low to mid-90s and southerly winds expected between 10-18 mph.
“I think everything plays quite challenging depending on the wind,” Korda observed. “All the par 5s essentially play as three-shot holes for me, so precision is key. The downwind holes, I believe, will likely be the most difficult because it`s quite challenging to hold the green. If you happen to hit it slightly short into that fluffy Bermuda grass, it tends to stop, so you can`t rely on a run-up shot.”
Chasing down Annika
At the age of just 28, Ko has already earned her place as the youngest member of the LPGA Hall of Fame. Her career boasts 23 victories on the LPGA Tour, 38 wins globally, and she is the reigning Olympic gold medalist in women`s golf.
With another victory or two, Ko is also on track to surpass 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam in career earnings on the LPGA Tour. Sorenstam achieved a remarkable 72 wins and earned approximately $22.6 million before her retirement after the 2008 season.
“In some ways, it feels unfair because she won 70-something times,” Ko remarked. “I`m proud of my 23 wins, and I hope to add a few more before I`m finished. We are simply competing in vastly different eras.”
Since turning professional in 2013, Ko has already accumulated about $20.8 million in earnings.
“I think I`ve stated multiple times that women`s golf, and women`s sports in general, are experiencing a significant high point,” Ko said. “I feel very fortunate to be competing in this generation and to be part of this surge.”
“I am very lucky to have been born in this era, so it`s somewhat challenging to even be compared to Annika, who has accomplished far more than I have. I believe that`s why it`s our responsibility as players, and for the entire organization, to continue growing the sport and provide more opportunities for future generations and the children who come out to watch us play.”
Happy for Spaun
Maja Stark has had a whirlwind couple of weeks since holding off Korda and others at Erin Hills to claim the biggest victory of her career. The former Oklahoma State golfer is now ranked sixth in the world.
She took the previous week off to fully process her win. Stark mentioned that she didn`t cry immediately after winning, but she did shed tears when J.J. Spaun captured his first major title with a remarkable 64½-foot putt on the 72nd hole of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh on Sunday.
“I cried after J.J. Spaun won because I was so incredibly happy for him,” Stark shared. “Just seeing his reaction and how joyful he was, hearing that he almost quit last year, and then watching him cry, finishing with two birdies and sealing the win in that manner – it was just unbelievable.”
“Seeing his children hug him… that just makes me emotional for anyone. I`m just a bit of a crybaby.”
Marcus Blakely