KAWAGOE (Japan) -- Nelly Korda's first major championship was only a beginning. She is now an Olympic champion and it was clear Saturday who the best woman's golfer is.Korda remained composed during the chaotic chase for medals, a one hour storm delay at end. She took two putts from within 30 feet to win by one shot.American golfers received a string of gold medals from Korda, a 23-year-old Korda. Last Sunday, Xander Schauffele won in the men's competition.Jessica Korda (Nelly's 28 year-old sister) posted a 64 for the low round. The sisters ran to the green and hugged in celebration.Nelly is the first woman or man to win both the Olympic gold medal and a major in the same year. She won the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, June, and has won all four of the previous individual tournaments.Jessica stated that this is almost like a legend status for a golfer, regardless of gender. It's hard to win here, and she makes it seem easy, but those girls can do it. It's crazy to think that she could be doing this. To me, this is total GOAT status (Greatest Of All Time).Mone Inami, Japan, presented the silver medal to the host nation. It was almost better than it sounds.Inami was given the honor of opening the tee shot. She made five birdies in a stretch of six holes towards the end. The last one was from 8 feet on 17th hole. Her approach to the 18th was obstructed by the bunker slope and sand. She was able to get to 30 feet and made bogey for 65.Lydia Ko from New Zealand made a 35-foot birdie to tie Lydia Ko for the lead on 18th. She missed the cut by 4 feet and was forced to put it for 65 to tie for first.Ko missed a par putt of 10-foot after finding a bunker on the 18th hole.After winning silver at Rio de Janeiro 2016, Ko had to settle with bronze. Since returning to golf after 112-years, she is the only golfer who has won medals at both Olympics.This round was not easy for Korda. She started with a three shot lead. After falling into a tie for first, she reconstructed it to three shots on the back nine. She then closed with six pars after three players tried their best to make a run at her.Aditi Ashok from India is on that list. She was at a disadvantage all week due to her inability to hit the greens, some of which was caused by COVID-19. Ashok was able to stay in the mix with her magical touch on the greens.To keep up with Ko, her 12-foot birdie shot on the 17th putt burned the edge of cup. She had a 25 foot birdie on the 18th putt to remain in medal contention. The hole was closed.Korda was 17-under 267, and made two double pars this week.The 18th hole was the last, and she needed to make a birdie to score a 59. Korda and her caddie didn't realize that the tee box was only 30 yards in front, which led to Korda making the wrong play behind a tree.Another was Saturday's par-3 seventh, when her tee shot fell into a collection area. Korda needed three chips to reach the green. The double bogey made it tie with Ko and Ashok.The par-5 eighth hole was birdied by all three except Korda, who had a 25-foot putt. Korda then made birdies on the next two holes, regaining her three-shot lead.Inami, Ko, and Ashok worked together until there were no holes left. Korda was left holding a gold medal and a bright future.This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
