Korda’s title makes it a family affair

AMERICAN golfer Nelly Korda has won the Women’s Australian Open, adding to her family’s incredible stretch of sporting success in the nation.

Korda carded a five-under 67 yesterday at Adelaide’s Grange Golf Club to triumph at 17-under 271, two strokes clear of South Korea’s fast-finishing defending champion Jin Young Ko.

Korda’s father Petr is an Australian Open tennis champion, her sister Jessica won the women’s Australian Open golf tournament seven years ago and brother Sebastian claimed the Australian Open boys’ tennis title last year.

“I’m just happy to finally be a part of the club,” 20-year-old Korda said.

The best-placed Australians were Hannah Green and Sarah Kemp, who finished eight-under to tie for 10th.

Compatriot Minjee Lee finished seven under while five-time winner Karrie Webb, after shooting five-under in the opening round, finished three under for the tournament.

Korda’s triumph came after twice resisting challenges from Ko, who shot the day’s low round, an eight-under 64.

Playing in separate groups, Ko birdied three of her first five holes to creep within two shots of Korda — only for the American to respond with three birdies in her initial eight holes.

And when Korda peeled off three consecutive birdies, she held a six-shot buffer through 12 holes.