Latest news with #MizuhoAmericasOpen
Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Jeeno Thitikul grabs first-round lead at Women's PGA Championship
Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the Women's PGA Championship. PHOTO: AFP TEXAS - Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul overcame an early double bogey to finish with the first-round lead at the Women's PGA Championship on June 19 in Frisco, Texas. She shot a four-under par 68 at Fields Ranch East to hold a one-stroke edge over Australia's Minjee Lee. Yealimi Noh, South Korea's Somi Lee and Haeran Ryu and Japan's Rio Takeda are tied for third at 70. A nine-way tie for seventh place at 71 features Auston Kim, Angel Yin, Chinese Taipei's Chien Pei-yun, Japan's Yuna Nishimura and Chisato Iwai and South Korea's Chun In Gee, Hwang Youmin, Bang Shinsil and Park Kumkang. The event is the third of the year's five LPGA majors. Jeeno double-bogeyed the par-four fifth hole and was two over par through six holes. She then went on a tear, birdieing five of the next seven holes, and she added another birdie at No. 17 while completing a bogey-free back nine. 'I think my putter went really well today,' she said. 'You know, like in the front nine we had a lot of breeze going and more than the back nine, but (I made putts at) 7, 8, 9, which boost the confidence up making the turn to the back nine.' Jeeno earned her fifth career LPGA victory in May at the Mizuho Americas Open after capturing the Tour Championship in November. She credited her experience with helping her shake off the double bogey. 'I think like all the majors that I have told myself (to) just really be patient,' she said. 'I definitely know that I going to miss a shot, and I have. 'I really told myself just be patient and focused on the next shot, because (in the) majors you (are) going to miss anyway. What a way to bounce back. It's more important.' Minjee Lee produced an eventful round that included seven birdies and five bogeys – including bogeys at No. 1 and No. 18. She said of the start of her pursuit of a third major title, 'Obviously there will be bogeys, but I think for me, I just try to stay patient. If I make a bogey, I just try it back it up with something better than that. 'Yeah, can't get ahead of yourself, especially in this kind of weather. I think it's more just the heat that's draining your focus, so it's going to be a big factor come the next few days.' World No. 1 Nelly Korda is tied for 16th at 72. Japan's Mao Saigo, the winner of the year's first major, the Chevron Championship, is tied for 26th at 73. Sweden's Maja Stark, who captured the US Open title earlier in June, shot a 75, tied for 58th. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Mizuho Americas Open impacting women's golf, both on and off the course
Mizuho Americas Open impacting women's golf, both on and off the course When Mizuho Americas began exploring sports sponsorship opportunities several years ago, it quickly settled on golf, which CEO Jerry Rizzieri says was an 'obvious choice' given the sport's popularity among the company's clients. Mizuho, however, didn't want to be just another financial institution slapping its name on a PGA Tour event. It wanted to make a difference. It wanted to create a legacy. That led Mizuho Americas to the LPGA, where Rizzieri felt that the company could 'set itself apart and really make an impact with its sponsorship.' 'Women's sports have seen incredible growth in terms of viewership and investment over the past few years, and investing in women's sports is good business,' Rizzieri said. The LPGA's Mizuho Americas Open, which debuted in 2023, has been a home run for the company and the LPGA, thanks to the tournament's unique format and its focus on mentorship, which is on brand with Mizuho's corporate mission. It doesn't hurt that the tournament has enjoyed an iconic setting at Liberty National Golf Club, just across the Hudson River from New York City, and that Mizuho has pushed the envelope on non-major prize money and five-star accommodations for players. 'Mizuho Americas has really elevated the women's game so much more,' said LPGA star Rose Zhang. 'It had an elevated purse the inaugural year, and then on top of that, for them to continue having the relationship with the LPGA and support the women out here, their vision has really shown and it has really impacted the game and us as players.' The Mizuho Americas Open pairs 120 LPGA professionals with 24 top-ranked junior girls, with the goal of mentoring the amateurs both on and off the course. During tournament week, Mizuho, in conjunction with Girls Inc., hosted its annual DrivHer Summit, which included a golf clinic, but also day-to-day business skills such as career planning and networking. Rizzieri says that part of tournament week is 'one of the most rewarding aspects of partnering with the LPGA.' In only its third year, the tournament has had a huge impact on LPGA stars and top-ranked AJGA juniors. It's been such a success for Mizuho Americas and the tour that the company recently announced a five-year sponsorship renewal. The tournament will move to Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J., the next two years before returning to Liberty National for three years starting in 2028. 'Mizuho is passionate about mentorship and providing learning and growth opportunities in meaningful ways, both on and off the course,' Rizzieri said. 'The tournament is a phenomenal opportunity for the junior players to play side by side with their greatest mentors, encouraging the next generation of talent. Mizuho found this format extended the chance to celebrate excellence beyond just the professionals but to the professionals of the future in a hands-on and impactful way.' During the recent Mizuho Americas Open, Michelle Wie West got a reminder of just how much of an impact the tournament is having on the lives of LPGA professionals and the young amateurs who aspire to play on tour. Wie West, a Mizuho ambassador who serves as the tournament host, ran into first-year professional Yana Wilson and her father, Jim, who wanted her to know how much the tournament meant to the Wilson family. 'I saw (Yana) at the clubhouse and her dad was really sweet,' West told Golfweek. 'He was like, this tournament changed her path. That feels really amazing to hear, to have that effect on someone. That's what the beauty of this tournament is. I'm so excited for the LPGA players here, but it's the juniors who make it so special for me.' In May Yana Wilson, 18, became the first player to compete in the tournament as an amateur – she won the junior division in 2023 – and as a professional. She had a prolific amateur career, winning more than 100 times by age 15, including the U.S. Girls Junior Championship in 2022. A week before the Mizuho Americas Open, Wilson notched her first professional victory on the Epson Tour in her hometown of Las Vegas. That victory was made all the more special because it fell on her mother Olga's birthday. Wilson is, in short, exactly what Mizuho envisioned when it first decided to sponsor the tournament in 2023. It wanted to help young women realize their big dreams – whether those dreams led them to the LPGA or on other career paths. 'We remain deeply committed to our investment in women's sports as we aim to help advance the next generation of talent and level the playing field for women, both on and off the golf course,' Rizzieri said.
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Nelly Korda hoping patience pays off in quest to recapture the magic
Nelly Korda is preaching patience, but acknowledges that might be difficult for those admirers of the 'best swing in golf' who recall the American knocking off consecutive titles last year at record-breaking pace. Of course, it was unfeasible for Korda to maintain a run that brought her five successive tournament wins – including a major – and then proceed to make it six trophies from seven. Yet when Korda triumphed at the Mizuho Americas Open last May – the female game's superstar adding to her iconic image by raising her arms aloft with the New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty in the background – few would have predicted that there would only be one more success in the 12 months and 19 starts that followed. Going into this week's US Women's Open, the 26-year-old remains the world No 1, but it perhaps says plenty about the injection of realism into her story that Korda's status is under threat from Jeeno Thitikul. With two victories already this season, and three in her last nine appearances, the 22-year-old Thai has actually usurped Korda as the betting favourite for the major at Erin Hills – an achievement in itself. But Korda insists she remains unfazed. 'I can understand what people say, but this is just the game of golf and it's life and it's up and down,' Korda said at the Wisconsin course. 'Look, it's never going to be easy, and when you think you kind of have it figured out, it's just going to humble you really quickly. 'The thing is just always stay patient, keep doing what you're doing. What I've learnt is that I'm going to control what I can control. And what I can't? Well, I'm kind of going to let go of that and not stress about it and just go about my business. 'Look, last year was last year. What I achieved in 2024, no one can take that from me. That's always going to be such a great memory. But it's been a campaign and a fresh mindset. 'It's been a very interesting year for me. I definitely have had a bit of good and a bit of bad. I've kind of been in the mix in every event that I've played in.' Korda is wise not to panic, as she has the lowest scoring average on tour so far in 2025 and her form has hardly gone through the clubhouse floorboards. And even her dream season was not without its setbacks. After a two-month absence with neck issues that led to debilitating migraines, Korda returned in November and won in Florida. Since then she has racked up four top-seven placings in her most recent eight competitions, including a fifth behind Thitikul three weeks ago. Yet, despite finishing 14th in her defence at the Chevron Championship, the season's first major, last month, she was never in serious contention and her record at the US Women's Open certainly does not inspire great hope. Korda has played in her national championship on 10 occasions and only recorded two top-10s, with a best performance of eighth. She was seemingly at the peak of her powers last year, but shockingly shot a first-round 80 at Lancaster Country Club and comfortably missed the cut. It was the third time she had failed to qualify for the weekend in the last five editions of the US Women's Open. Considering the piles of garlands she has collected from other events, she would be forgiven for a feeling of indifference, but Korda was putting on a courageous and positive front as she prepared for a marquee first-round threeball on Thursday, also featuring countrywoman Lexi Thompson and England's Charley Hull. 'Yeah, it's tested me a lot over the years – but, I mean, it's the biggest test in the game and I love it,' she said. 'At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do, is to play these golf courses in these conditions, to test our games in every aspect. Not even just our games, but the mental side, as well. I enjoy it and I'm excited to see what this week is going to bring.' And Korda claims the expectations will not be a problem. 'Every year something has challenged me, and every year I learn a little bit more about myself and how to handle myself in certain situations,' she said. 'It's all about putting yourself into that position and being grateful for being in that spot. And relish it all. Even the pressure.'
Reuters
28-05-2025
- General
- Reuters
Nelly Korda chasing first win of '25, U.S. Women's Open breakthrough
May 28 - Nelly Korda ranks No. 1 in the world despite being without a win on the LPGA Tour halfway through the season but insists there's no added pressure for a breakthrough at the Women's U.S. Open at Erin Hills Golf Club in Wisconsin this week. "I don't try and think about it," said Korda, who had seven wins in 16 events and claimed a major championship at the Chevron Championship in 2024. "Definitely when you're a higher-ranked player or you're more popular there is more pressure on you just from outside perspective when it comes to media, fans coming out to watch you play. "If you want to feel it, you will feel it, but I think what's really important is just kind of sticking to your game plan and being really focused on what you're doing present time, and that's really helped me." Korda was propelled to the Rolex Player of the Year honor by a streak of five wins in a row in 2024. She is chasing her first Women's U.S. Open title on the heels of her second top-5 finish this season at the Mizuho Americas Open. As the world rankings underscore, Korda's results can hardly be classified as struggling. She's finished no worse than 22nd with three top-10 finishes in six events. She said the season to date has been "interesting" but insisted she feels grateful and embraces the position this week at an event known for trying patience. "It's big," said Korda, 26, who is staying 20 minutes from the course at a rented lake house with her parents. "Some weeks it's so much easier to be patient than others. It just depends on kind of the mindset and how you're feeling mentally. But it plays a really big role. Sometimes you can get ahead of yourself, and as I've said in the past, staying in the moment is really, really important for me." Contrast the present to her surging 2024 momentum meter entering the U.S. Women's Open -- she missed the cut at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania with a season-worst opening round of 80 -- and Korda is comfortable with her real-time game. At Erin Hills, there are challenges ahead on a course known for whipping wind and tight, challenging traps. And Korda hasn't posted many memorable rounds in the event of late. Two of her past three U.S. Women's Open rounds resulted in scores of 80. She wrapped the 2023 event at Pebble Beach by going 8-over on her final 18 and finished tied for 64th. "I think the more you're put in under-pressure moments and the more you're in contention, you learn more about yourself and how to handle those situations," Korda said. "Every year something has tested me, and every year I learn a little bit more about myself and how to handle myself in some situations. So yeah, I think it's all about putting yourself into that position. ... At the end of the day, you're the one that put yourself there, and you have to be grateful that you are in that spot, and you kind of have to just enjoy even the pressure." Korda entered the 2022 U.S. Open off a four-month hiatus and finished tied for eighth at 2-under for the tournament at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C. On Thursday Korda is paired with Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson (2:25 p.m. ET). She's looking dead ahead this week and focusing on what she can control in her 10th career U.S. Open start. "I mean, it's the biggest test in golf," Korda said. "It definitely has tested me a lot. I love it. At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do, is to play these golf courses in these conditions, to test our games in every aspect." --Field Level Media --Field Level Media
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nelly Korda hoping patience pays off in quest to recapture the magic
Nelly Korda is preaching patience, but acknowledges that might be difficult for those admirers of the 'best swing in golf' who recall the American knocking off consecutive titles last year at record-breaking pace. Of course, it was unfeasible for Korda to maintain a run that brought her five successive tournament wins – including a major – and then proceed to make it six trophies from seven. Yet when Korda triumphed at the Mizuho Americas Open last May – the female game's superstar adding to her iconic image by raising her arms aloft with the New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty in the background – few would have predicted that there would only be one more success in the 12 months and 19 starts that followed. Going into this week's US Women's Open, the 26-year-old remains the world No 1, but it perhaps says plenty about the injection of realism into her story that Korda's status is under threat from Jeeno Thitikul. With two victories already this season, and three in her last nine appearances, the 22-year-old Thai has actually usurped Korda as the betting favourite for the major at Erin Hills – an achievement in itself. But Korda insists she remains unfazed. 'I can understand what people say, but this is just the game of golf and it's life and it's up and down,' Korda said at the Wisconsin course. 'Look, it's never going to be easy, and when you think you kind of have it figured out, it's just going to humble you really quickly. 'The thing is just always stay patient, keep doing what you're doing. What I've learnt is that I'm going to control what I can control. And what I can't? Well, I'm kind of going to let go of that and not stress about it and just go about my business. 'Look, last year was last year. What I achieved in 2024, no one can take that from me. That's always going to be such a great memory. But it's been a campaign and a fresh mindset. 'It's been a very interesting year for me. I definitely have had a bit of good and a bit of bad. I've kind of been in the mix in every event that I've played in.' Korda is wise not to panic, as she has the lowest scoring average on tour so far in 2025 and her form has hardly gone through the clubhouse floorboards. And even her dream season was not without its setbacks. After a two-month absence with neck issues that led to debilitating migraines, Korda returned in November and won in Florida. Since then she has racked up four top-seven placings in her most recent eight competitions, including a fifth behind Thitikul three weeks ago. Yet, despite finishing 14th in her defence at the Chevron Championship, the season's first major, last month, she was never in serious contention and her record at the US Women's Open certainly does not inspire great hope. Korda has played in her national championship on 10 occasions and only recorded two top-10s, with a best performance of eighth. She was seemingly at the peak of her powers last year, but shockingly shot a first-round 80 at Lancaster Country Club and comfortably missed the cut. It was the third time she had failed to qualify for the weekend in the last five editions of the US Women's Open. Considering the piles of garlands she has collected from other events, she would be forgiven for a feeling of indifference, but Korda was putting on a courageous and positive front as she prepared for a marquee first-round threeball on Thursday, also featuring countrywoman Lexi Thompson and England's Charley Hull. 'Yeah, it's tested me a lot over the years – but, I mean, it's the biggest test in the game and I love it,' she said. 'At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do, is to play these golf courses in these conditions, to test our games in every aspect. Not even just our games, but the mental side, as well. I enjoy it and I'm excited to see what this week is going to bring.' And Korda claims the expectations will not be a problem. 'Every year something has challenged me, and every year I learn a little bit more about myself and how to handle myself in certain situations,' she said. 'It's all about putting yourself into that position and being grateful for being in that spot. And relish it all. Even the pressure.'
