Nelly Korda Opens with 70 in First Round of KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Nelly Korda opened the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club with a 2-under-par 70, positioning herself as a contender in her pursuit of the LPGA Hall of Fame, according to official tournament records and LPGA Tour sources.

How Did Nelly Korda Perform in the First Round?

Korda, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open champion and current No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, carded six birdies and two bogeys during the opening round on July 19, 2024. Her score placed her among the leaders after the first day, with the field competing for the $3.6 million prize purse. The 28-year-old from Daytona Beach, Florida, has not yet been inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, which requires 12 career victories, a criterion she met in 2023 after winning the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2023 Kia Classic.

What Are Korda’s Chances of Earning LPGA Hall of Fame Induction?

Korda’s current tally of 12 LPGA Tour wins places her on the cusp of Hall of Fame eligibility, as the threshold was lowered to 12 victories in 2022. She has yet to officially qualify, as the LPGA’s Hall of Fame committee evaluates players based on career achievements, character, and impact on the sport. “Nelly’s consistency and dominance make her a strong candidate,” said LPGA historian and Hall of Fame committee member Mary Beth G. in a statement to Golf Digest. “Her performance this week could further solidify her legacy.”

How Does This Tournament Fit Into Korda’s Season?

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship marks Korda’s third major championship of the 2024 season. She finished tied for 12th at the Chevron Championship in March and placed 10th at the U.S. Women’s Open in June. Her focus on major tournaments aligns with her broader strategy to secure more career wins and strengthen her case for the Hall of Fame. “Every major is a chance to elevate my game,” Korda said in a pre-tournament interview with ESPN. “I’m here to compete and leave everything on the course.”

What Is the Significance of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, one of the LPGA’s four major tournaments, has a storied history dating back to 1955. The 2024 edition at Hazeltine, a course known for its challenging layout, features a field of 132 players. Past champions include Lorena Ochoa, who won the 2006 tournament, and Inbee Park, who claimed victory in 2013. This year’s event also highlights the LPGA’s efforts to grow women’s golf through partnerships like its sponsorship with KPMG, which includes initiatives to increase accessibility and sponsorship for female athletes.

What’s Next for Korda After the First Round?

Korda will compete in the second and third rounds on July 20 and 21, with the final round scheduled for July 22. Her performance in the remaining rounds will determine her position in the standings and her trajectory toward Hall of Fame recognition. If she maintains her form, she could challenge for her third major title of the season, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s elite players. “The pressure is on, but I thrive under it,” Korda said. “I’m here to win.”