Nelly Korda starts strong at TOC, so do several other big names who could rival in 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. – Nelly Korda came up short at the 2025 Hiltons Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions but went home smiling. The World No. 1 closed with a 7-under 65 on Sunday, finishing two strokes back of A Lim Kim at the season-opener. There were some putts she'd like to have back, like the two three-putts she had on the par-5 ninth. But overall, she was pleased, particularly with the chipping she'd grinded on lately with longtime coach David Whelan, who now keeps an eye on her short game.
If opening week is any indication of what's to come, consider Jin Young Ko back on the radar. The former No. 1 made her debut in the TOC this week and finished in a share of fourth after a closing 65.
"From the tee shot to green overall everything was perfect," said Ko, who was winless last season.
Minjee Lee, one of the best ball-strikers on tour, showed up with a long putter this week and closed with persona-best 10-under 62 to join Ko at 14 under, six back of Kim.
"I feel like just got a little bit of freedom in just putting something new and going on a different adventure," said Lee.
After such a dominant performance from Korda last season, one can't help but wonder if several of these proven stars will rise up to challenge. Lake Nona resident and defending champion Lydia Ko struggled to a 70 on Sunday after a slow start but ultimately finished sixth.
Lauren Coughlin, who broke through last season with two victories, finished seventh and the much-heralded rookie Rio Takeda, came in eighth.
For Kim, this marks her second win in her last four starts. She recently started working on fading the ball for the first time, having played her entire career with a draw.
There's an easy confidence about the 2020 U.S. Women's Open champion, who laughs easily and goes by the nickname "Queen." She earned the nickname "Queen Kong" as a kid for her distance, but requested that her friends drop the "Kong."
The wire-to-wire winner birdied three of her last four holes to hold off Korda, noting that she wasn't really worried about being overtaken.
Kim points to longtime LPGA pro Amy Yang as her "hero" and lives close to her friend in Orlando. While Yang practices out of Bay Hill, Kim is at nearby Isleworth. They both work with Florida-based Tony Ziegler.
"I'm proud of myself that even though I was feeling discomfort I attempted and went through with it," said Kim of her new shot shape. "After this what I'm going to work on is when I need to be aggressive, that I really need to bolt myself down and be aggressive."
Korda and company head next to the Founders Cup in Bradenton, Florida. Korda began her six-win season last year with a wire-to-wire victory of her own in her hometown, defeating Lydia Ko in a riveting playoff.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Nelly Korda finished second at LPGA's 2025 season opener
