Jin Young Ko delivers big finish to win LPGA player of year

NAPLES, Fla. — The stakes were high and the odds would have seemed long to anyone but Jin Young Ko.

Her only chance at LPGA player of the year was to win the CME Group Tour Championship. In her way was Nelly Korda, the No. 1 player in the world. If that wasn’t enough, Ko’s left wrist was ailing to the point she only took full swings with a gap wedge on the practice range.

And then she delivered a performance that was close to perfect.

Ko putted for birdie on every hole — she went the final 63 holes at Tiburon without missing a green in regulation — shot 30 on the front nine to seize control and closed with a 9-under 63 for the low round of the tournament and a oneshot victory.

For the victor, these were some serious spoils.

Ko won the richest prize in women’s golf at $1.5 million and overtook Korda to claim the LPGA’s biggest award as player of the year.

“I can’t believe I win this tournament again,” Ko said.

Ko opened with a 25-foot birdie putt that looked as easy as a tap-in, and she was on her way. She hit 7-iron to 8 feet for birdie on No. 3, took the lead for good with a wedge to 10 feet on the next hole and didn’t come close to a bogey.

She wound up winning by one shot over Nasa Hataoka of Japan, who never got closer than two shots on the back nine until a birdie on the final hole for a 64.

Ko couldn’t stop smiling on the 18th green when she collected the crystal trophy for winning the tournament and a silver trophy as player of the year. The win was worth $1.5 million. The award was worth even more to her.

“So proud of myself,” Ko said. “Player of the year, it’s cool. I would say player of the year is best. It’s really tough get to player of the year, especially this year with Nelly.”

Korda’s big year of becoming a major champion, an Olympic gold medalist and reaching No. 1 in the world ranking ended with a thud. The 23-year-old American couldn’t keep pace at the start and was never a serious factor when Ko pulled away on the back nine.

“It was the Jin Young Ko show today, and honestly, it was cool to see,” Korda said. “I just sat back and watched all day.”

Korda, whose four wins this year included the Women’s PGA Championship, closed with a 69 and tied for fifth, six shots behind.

“Nelly has great year, even gold medal, win major tournament, and three more wins this year. I feel a little said for Nelly,” Ko said. “But I was a little luckier than her.”