Team Jessica Korda clinched victory at the Aramco Team Series – New York after they beat Team Popov in a two-hole playoff at Glen Oaks Club.
After starting the final day two strokes behind the overnight leaders, Korda, Karolin Lampert, Lina Boqvist and amateur Alexandra O’Laughlin produced another solid round to finish with a total of 41-under-par.
With the sun having set in New York, captain J Korda headed to the floodlit 17th hole to compete in the playoff against Sophia Popov and her par was enough to clinch the title.
“I honestly was just praying for good speed on the green, I wasn’t sure how hard to hit it, it was playing so different to when we were out there during the round. It was really tough,” said Korda speaking of the playoff. “It was nice to be able to share it with the team. This is such an individual sport and the fact you’re able to win as a team is so cool. It was a great experience and we had so much fun, being able to pick a player and then we have great additions. Today we really came together, and it was one of our best days. The front nine was tough but the last six holes were great.”
For Team Popov, who were also two shots off the lead overnight, they had a solid front nine which saw them seven-under-par for the round.
With tricky conditions and some tough closing holes, the leaderboard tightened as they came down stretch, but a clutch birdie from Hayley Davis on 18 ensured the team competition went to a playoff as they also finished on 41-under-par. And despite a good tee shot on the first playoff hole, Popov was unable to capitalise, and the captains headed back to the tee box which ultimately saw Team J Korda triumph.
Charley Hull’s team had an exceptional final day, producing a round of 20-under-par to put them at a total of 40-under-par and set the clubhouse lead, which ultimately left them in third place. Off the back of the sensational team performance, it was Hull who recorded the round of the day in the individual competition. After starting her round with four consecutive birdies, the Solheim Cup star carded a flawless round of 65 (-7) to catapult her to 12-under-par and win the individual title – her third LET victory.
“I was playing well the first couple of days, but today I really got it going,” said Hull. “It was tricky conditions out there, so that is probably one of the best rounds I have played ever. I was very proud of myself and to finish with a birdie I’m very happy.”
After winning for the first time since the 2019 Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, Abu Dhabi, Hull wants to round of 2021 in style. She added: “Back in 2019 was my last win, it’s good to get a win and coming towards the end of the season I hope to finish on a high.”
World number one Nelly Korda, who led after the second round, finished in second place on 11-under after carding a round of 70 with compatriot Danielle Kang in third place on nine-under.