Nelly Korda's late 3-putt on the 17th green during the final round of the 2026 Fortinet Founders Cup proved costly, costing her a chance to claim the title by a single stroke. Despite an impressive comeback from five shots back, her misstep on a short putt ultimately handed the tournament to Hyo Joo Kim. This moment highlights how even the smallest errors in putting can have outsized consequences on the LPGA Tour.
How the Fortinet Founders Cup Finale Unfolded
Korda entered Sunday five shots behind leader Hyo Joo Kim. Early struggles gave way to a surge, with Korda birdieing five of the first nine holes. By the par-5 10th, she had erased the deficit and was tied for the lead. Both players were neck and neck at 17 under going into the final holes, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
The Nelly Korda Fortinet Founders Cup 2026 3-putt That Changed Everything
On the par-3 17th, Korda's tee shot found the green, but her birdie attempt narrowly missed. This left her with a three-foot putt to save par. Meanwhile, Kim, facing a tough chip from the rough, executed brilliantly to set up her own par putt from a similar distance. Kim sank hers, applying pressure on Korda. The World No. 2 then missed her short par putt, resulting in a three-putt bogey that dropped her two shots behind heading to the 18th hole.
Why This Matters Beyond Just One Missed Putt
A 3-putt from such close range is a rarity at the highest levels of the LPGA, especially in a pressure-packed final round. It underscores the importance of precise putting and mental toughness down the stretch. For Korda, who has faced criticism and a notable win drought prior to 2026, this missed putt was a painful reminder of how fine the margins are in professional golf.
Context: Korda’s Season and the LPGA Landscape
This near miss follows Korda’s controversial victory earlier in the season at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, a rain-shortened event that ended after 54 holes. That win marked her first LPGA title since 2024 but left some questions unanswered due to the unusual circumstances. The Fortinet Founders Cup was her first full 72-hole event of the year, and a win here would have solidified her resurgence and bolstered her climb back to World No. 1.
Golf Tips from Korda’s 3-Putt: What Pros Focus on
Short putts are often where tournaments are won or lost. Experienced players focus intensely on routine and visualization for these critical strokes. Key strategy involves managing nerves, reading subtle breaks accurately, and maintaining a consistent stroke pace. Korda’s experience illustrates that even the best can falter, reinforcing the need for relentless practice on lag putts and pressure simulation during training.
What to Watch Next on the LPGA Tour
As the 2026 LPGA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Korda’s next outings to see how she bounces back from this setback. Her ability to refine her putting under pressure will be crucial, especially with major championships and ranking points at stake. Meanwhile, Hyo Joo Kim’s win adds momentum to her campaign, signaling a competitive season ahead.
According to All The Golf, this 3-putt was the turning point of the Fortinet Founders Cup final round, underscoring the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat on the LPGA Tour. For a broader view, explore our coverage of LPGA Tour news and results.
Source: according to All The Golf
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