Nelly Korda dominated the field from start to finish in claiming the third major championship of her career, winning the Chevron Championship by five strokes Sunday, April 26, at Houston's Memorial Park.
Korda, 27, becomes just the fourth American woman since 1990 to win at least three majors, joining Meg Mallon, Betsy King and Patty Sheehan.
"I feel very relieved after what I felt mid-round, the nerves of holding that lead and the golf course," said Korda, "and I just feel so happy."
The victory will also move her back to No. 1 in the world in the women's golf rankings, overtaking Jeeno Thitikul for the top spot.
Korda took control at Memorial Park on Day 1 and never relented, building her lead to as many as eight as she set or matched scoring records throughout the week. On Sunday, the lead never dipped lower than four strokes. She ultimately won by five at 18 under, with major champions Patty Tavatanakit and Ruoning Yin taking a share of second.
After a weather-shortened victory to start the season at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, Korda took a six-week break from competition and came back to finish runner-up three times.
Korda went into the final round in Houston with a five-shot lead and worked hard to protect it, changing her strategy to the point it felt uncomfortable. It worked.
"For me I'm like having to play defensive at some point but also not wanting to get too defensive because I want to play my own game," she said. "That's where I struggled this weekend of, OK, I wanted to be aggressive on this hole, but if I make a big mistake, I mean, that cuts my lead."
This marks Korda's seventh time taking over the No. 1 position. She has collectively spent 108 weeks in the No. 1 position over the course of her career.
After winning major No. 3, Korda is now five points shy of the 27 required to enter the LPGA Hall of Fame.
She'll have a chance to add to those credentials in the second major of the season at the U.S. Women's Open, June 4-7 at Riviera Country Club outside Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nelly Korda wins Chevron Championship for third career major title