Kim Hyo-joo's victory at the Fortinet Founders Cup last week was made possible in part by a short putting miss from rival Nelly Korda of the United States. On the final day at the 17th hole (par 3), Korda, trailing by one stroke, missed a critical par putt from less than one meter, letting her pursuit slip away.
This week's sixth LPGA Tour event of the season is the Ford Championship, the same tournament Kim won last year. Coincidentally, the champion two years ago was Korda. The two players are currently competing neck and neck across various statistical categories. Kim leads the money list with Korda in second, while Korda tops the Player of the Year and CME points standings with Kim in second.
It feels like destiny that Kim and Korda have been drawn into the same group for the first round, which begins Thursday (local time) at the Cattail Course of Whirlwind Golf Club (par 72) in Phoenix, Arizona. Kim is aiming for consecutive weekly victories and a second straight title at this event, while Korda seeks her second win of the season and second Ford Championship title following her victory at the season opener. The third member of their group is Lexi Thompson, one of the most popular golf stars in the United States.
