Golf: Lydia Ko denied second straight LPGA title victory in dramatic finish at Drive On Championship

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has fallen agonisingly short of continuing her flawless start to 2024, beaten in the second playoff hole at the LPGA Drive On Championship in Florida on Monday (NZ time).

After a superb eagle on the 17th hole had given her a one-shot lead over Nelly Korda, Ko seemed well poised to claim the tournament title at Bradenton.

But the American's brilliant approach shot on the final hole forced a playoff, with both players tied at 11-under overall.

Ko skied her second shot on the first playoff hole but recovered with an expert chip shot to extend the contest. 

The second saw the roles reversed, as Ko put her approach on the edge of the 18th green and Korda sent her ball to the edge of the hospitality standings. But Ko left her long-range putt short and the world No. 4 held her nerve to claim the spoils.

The result denies Ko the point she needed to earn a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Nevertheless, it's an immensely encouraging outcome for Ko, continuing her remarkable resurgence after a difficult 2023. Last week's win at the Tournament of Champions on her home course at Orlando's Lake Nona was her first on the LPGA Tour in almost 14 months.

"I hit a good stroke on it, it just broke a little bit more than I thought... I obviously misjudged the slope on the green," Ko said of her final putt.

"But I played really solid today. I had a few three putts and, at the end, I think it's what cost me the tournament.  

"But to be able to eagle the 17th and even have a chance of winning when I thought I was quite a ways behind [was pleasing]

"It was nice to be in contention against two weeks in a row."

More to come

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has fallen agonisingly short of continuing her flawless start to 2024, beaten in the second playoff hole at the LPGA Drive On Championship in Florida on Monday (NZ time).

After a superb eagle on the 17th hole had given her a one-shot lead over Nelly Korda, Ko seemed well poised to claim the tournament title at Bradenton.

But the American's brilliant approach shot on the final hole forced a playoff, with both players tied at 11-under overall.

Ko skied her second shot on the first playoff hole but recovered with an expert chip shot to extend the contest. 

The second saw the roles reversed, as Ko put her approach on the edge of the 18th green and Korda sent her ball to the edge of the hospitality standings. But Ko left her long-range putt short and the world No. 4 held her nerve to claim the spoils.

The result denies Ko the point she needed to earn a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Nevertheless, it's an immensely encouraging outcome for Ko, continuing her remarkable resurgence after a difficult 2023. Last week's win at the Tournament of Champions on her home course at Orlando's Lake Nona was her first on the LPGA Tour in almost 14 months.

"I hit a good stroke on it, it just broke a little bit more than I thought... I obviously misjudged the slope on the green," Ko said of her final putt.

"But I played really solid today. I had a few three putts and, at the end, I think it's what cost me the tournament.  

"But to be able to eagle the 17th and even have a chance of winning when I thought I was quite a ways behind [was pleasing]

"It was nice to be in contention against two weeks in a row."

More to come

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