Korda, 23 years old, continued her brilliant season by winning her first major, Women’s PGA Championship, in June. She also won two tournaments and was then ranked number one in the world. She can now add the Olympic gold medal to her list of firsts for this year.
She said, “I’ve had some pretty good events, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to play well.” “You try to let go of the expectations and just enjoy the Olympic experience.
Her 17 under par was just one shot ahead of Mone Inami from Japan and Lydia Ko, New Zealand, who both finished at 16 under. Lydia Ko had a playoff for silver. Inami defeated her to win silver, and Ko won bronze.
Korda and the rest had to wait for a rain delay of approximately an hour. They also had to battle the heat and humidity of Japan at the Kasumigaseki Club.
Nelly wasn’t the only Korda who celebrated Saturday. Jessica, her 28-year old sister, shot a 64 to finish tied for 15th. Jessica ran to Nelly’s 18th green for a celebratory hug after Nelly’s winning putt.
In 1900, Margaret Abbott won the Paris Olympics gold medal for golf.
Nelly Korda is joined by fellow American Xander Schaffele, who won gold in the men’s competition last Sunday.
