Nelly Korda came agonizingly close to her first win of the 2025 LPGA season at the Lotte Championship, finishing tied for fourth at 17-under — just three shots behind South Korea’s Youmin Hwang, who celebrated her maiden LPGA Tour victory at Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii.
After the final round, Korda took to Instagram to share a series of scenic photos from her time in Hawaii, summing up her week with a simple yet heartfelt caption: “Hawaii🤙🏼🌺🫶🏼.” The one-word message reflected her gratitude and calm despite the missed opportunity.
Korda wrapped up her tournament with a final-round 69, marking her sixth top-five finish of the year. She started strong with birdies on her opening holes and remained steady through the back nine, save for a bogey on the par-3 ninth that slowed her momentum. Reflecting on her play, Korda said she’s focused on consistency and resilience. “I’m putting myself into contention. It’s been an interesting year result-wise, but I’m giving it 100 percent, controlling what I can, and I’m happy with that,” she shared.
Despite not clinching a win this season, Korda has showcased remarkable steadiness — making the cut in all 17 events and earning eight top-10 finishes, including two runner-up spots at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and the U.S. Women’s Open.
As the season nears its end, Korda admitted fatigue has been a challenge, but she remains dedicated to staying sharp. “I do have some injuries that linger, but I focus on staying as close to 100 percent as I can. I just love the grind — competing, working hard, and playing for the fans,” she said.
Although she slipped from World No. 1 to No. 2 earlier this year, Nelly Korda’s unwavering determination and love for the game continue to define her journey — proving that for her, every round is a step closer to another breakthrough victory.
