A Dream Week at The ANNIKA

You couldn’t have drawn up a better weekend for the LPGA. Its two most recognizable and popular players, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, played in the final group on Saturday and Sunday at The ANNIKA. There was no repeat of the Solheim Cup thumping Hull gave Korda just two months ago. Instead it was the world number one giving Hull and everyone else in contention all they could handle. Powered by a back nine 30 that included five birdies in a row and skyrocketed her win probability, Korda captured her seventh win of the season, the first since all the way back in May.

With apologies to Jin Hee Im, Weiwei Zhang and other chasers, the Korda and Hull showdown was the star of the day. Hull’s name at the top of the leaderboard was unsurprising coming off her first victory in two years earlier this month. Korda was the unknown variable. Missing her two planned events of the Asia swing with a minor neck injury, this was the first time she had played competitively in two months. Thursday’s first round was the first time she had walked 18 since the injury. Rust apparently doesn’t affect her like the rest of us. Two of her seven wins this year have come after breaks of nearly two months.

There’s plenty Korda and Hull have in common, a speedy pace of play is one of many things to love about their games, but their differences showcase the best of what women’s golf has to offer. Hull flaunts a powerful swing, unafraid to lash at the ball with all she’s got. She’s fearless when behind the mic as well, genuine and often saying exactly what’s on her mind. Charley does things one way, her way.

Korda’s mesmerizing, rhythmic swing would never be described as lashing at the ball. It’s graceful and somehow just as powerful as Hull’s. A shyness off the course has led to audiences not learning much about who Korda is. This year has forced her outside of her oft-mentioned bubble. As the wins stacked up, she’s been more comfortable with opening up. The choices in growing her exposure have been calculated and smart. The appearances at the Met Gala and SI Swimsuit issue are targeted at non-LPGA fans. The openness in interviews is growing, too. In a recent episode of the Inside the LPGA podcast, Korda admitted to wanting a mulligan on the 16th tee Sunday at St Andrews. That drive went OB and gave away her shot at the Women’s Open. A more open, honest Korda will engage more and more fans.

Add in the Caitlin Clark pro-am mania from earlier in the week and it was a wildly successful event for the tour. Korda and Hull at the top of the ticket might happen again next week, or it might not happen for years to come. When they’re both in contention, it doesn’t get much better for women’s golf.

This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.