Nelly Korda is six strokes behind Ina Yoon after the halfway point of the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National. Yoon leads at 12-under par after firing a two-under 68 in the second round, while Korda sits at 6-under following her own 68. The deficit is the largest Korda has faced in her pursuit of a third consecutive major, after victories at the Chevron Championship and US Open.
The $13 million purse—record for a women’s golf event—adds financial stakes to the Sunday finale. Hazeltine’s layout, known for tight fairways and punishing rough, has amplified the pressure on Korda, who relishes control but now must chase. The course’s reputation for rewarding precision over power has forced both players into unfamiliar territory: Yoon is succeeding with aggressive play, while Korda is grinding from the rough.
Korda has won 10 LPGA titles and all three majors she has entered in 2024, but a six-shot gap with two rounds to go demands a flawless weekend. Yoon, a rising star with four LPGA top-10s this season, has never finished higher than T-12 in a major. Her aggressive play has redefined the tournament narrative, drawing comparisons to past major breakthroughs by players like So Yeon Ryu in 2011 and Inbee Park in 2013.
Korda’s recent dominance has masked the volatility of major championships. Since 2010, only three players have successfully defended a major title, and none have claimed three in a row. The last to do so was Inbee Park in 2013-15, a stretch that included five major wins in 16 months.
Korda’s bid to join that elite group hinges on turning Hazeltine’s challenges into advantages—something she’s done repeatedly this year. The contrast in styles at Hazeltine underscores a broader shift in women’s golf. Yoon’s power game—ranked 15th on tour in driving distance—has exposed weaknesses in Korda’s controlled approach, which has thrived in slower-paced majors.
5 inches in key landing zones, has neutralized Korda’s iron precision, a hallmark of her 2024 success. Meanwhile, Yoon’s ability to find fairways despite aggressive club selection has kept her scorecard clean, a trait that could redefine expectations for major winners. “Nelly’s been in this position before—she thrives under pressure,” said LPGA veteran Cristie Kerr.
“But Ina’s hitting it like she has nothing to lose. ” What's next: The final two rounds at Hazeltine will test Korda’s ability to erase deficits and Yoon’s nerve to protect a lead. A Korda victory would cement her as the first player to win three straight majors since 2015.
A Yoon win would announce her arrival on the sport’s biggest stage and signal a generational shift in women’s golf. The pressure on Korda isn’t just about the scoreboard. It’s about legacy.
She’s already the face of the LPGA, but a third straight major would elevate her into the conversation of all-time greats. For Yoon, the opportunity is even more immediate: a win here could vault her into the top 10 of the world rankings and secure her spot in the 2024 Olympics. Read at NewsAPI.org
Why this matters
Korda’s pursuit of a third straight major is on the brink. A six-shot deficit to Yoon isn’t just a score—it’s a narrative pivot. If Korda recovers, she cements legacy-level dominance. If Yoon holds on, the LPGA welcomes a new star. Either outcome redefines the power balance in women’s golf. The record purse and Hazeltine’s brutal layout add layers of drama, making this weekend a potential inflection point for the sport. Yoon’s power surge and Korda’s rough-hewn resilience highlight a tactical shift that could reshape how majors are won—and who wins them—moving forward.
Frequently asked
How many strokes does Nelly Korda trail Ina Yoon by at the Women's PGA?
Korda is six strokes behind Yoon after the halfway point of the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National.
What is the purse size for the 2024 Women's PGA Championship?
The 2024 Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine carries a record $13 million purse, the richest in women’s golf history.
How many consecutive majors has Nelly Korda won entering this tournament?
Korda has won the last two majors—the Chevron Championship and the US Open—and is chasing a third straight title at Hazeltine.
Where is the 2024 Women's PGA Championship being played?
The 2024 Women's PGA Championship is being held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
How many LPGA titles has Nelly Korda won in her career?
Korda has won 10 LPGA Tour titles, including three major championships in 2024.
What is Ina Yoon’s best finish in a major championship to date?
Ina Yoon’s best major finish is a tie for 12th place; she has never finished inside the top 10 in a major.
