Haeran Ryu Wins First Major Title at Women’s PGA Championship

Haeran Ryu achieved a momentous victory at the Women’s PGA Championship held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Despite initial setbacks, she triumphed by two strokes over her closest competitor, Ina Yoon, on a gusty Sunday. Ryu secured her victory with a 2-under 70, finishing at 13-under 275. She became the sixth South Korean to win the event in the recent 12 editions.

Ryu’s journey was marked by an incredible comeback. Starting the tournament with a 73, she was in a tie for 70th place while Yoon set a tournament record with a score of 63. Undeterred, Ryu took sound advice from her coach and focused on trusting her skills, which led to this significant turnaround.

“You don’t have another problem so just trust your shot and trust your caddie and trust yourself on the golf course,” Ryu confidently stated during the trophy ceremony.

Brooke Henderson and Dewi Weber tied for third place, finishing at 10 under. Americans Allisen Corpuz, Auston Kim, and Alison Lee were six strokes behind Ryu, tying for fifth place.

LPGA Tour leader Nelly Korda experienced frustration, recording a final round of 73. Korda aimed to become the third player to win the first three majors of a season but tied for eighth. The tournament faced delays due to a thunderstorm, which softened the greens and intensified the challenge of Hazeltine’s long fairways.

Ryu positioned herself for victory by overcoming early bogeys and displaying skillful ball-striking throughout a tough afternoon of putting. Her performance highlights included ranking highly in approach, tee to green, and greens in regulation.

Dewi Weber achieved a historic finish for the Netherlands, becoming the fourth women’s player from the country to end in the top 20 at a major tournament.

Despite Yoon’s best-ever LPGA Tour finish, she faced challenges, including a double bogey early in her final round. Although disappointed, Yoon expressed pride in her resilience under pressure.

“Little disappointed yesterday and today, but I think I did a pretty good job being under pressure and it’s just part of golf,” Yoon reflected on her experience.

Korda now shifts her focus to upcoming majors, including the Evian Championship and Women’s British Open. Despite setbacks in Minnesota, she is determined to add to her already remarkable season.

Reflecting on the competition, Korda stated, “I was just thinking about the way that I played, not like the realistic big picture that everyone is talking about.”